Cheryl Ridgeway

Cheryl Ridgeway, 81, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025. Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Cheryl spent many years in Melbourne, Florida before moving to Ocala three years ago. She was known for her good-natured personality, sharp humor, and the ability to make everyone laugh. You never knew what to expect when visiting Cheryl-but you could count on being entertained. Her laughter and spirit will be remembered forever. Cheryl was a longtime member of River Run Church, where she made close and lasting friendships. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Ridgeway; her parents, George F. Converse and Marie Steed; her siblings Frank C. Converse, Hazel Coningford, and Marie Randolph; and her son, Ralph Allen Lacey III ("Chip"). She is survived by her daughters, Deborah Popp, and Brenda Newland; her sisters, Georgie Shinton and Jamie Verhulst; six grandchildren-William Sherman, Jessica Kelsey, Bobbie Sherman, Amanda Rasmussen, Ryan Shaw, and Brandon Beck; and nine great-grandchildren- Angelique Sherman, Kaila Shaw, Connor Beck, Alexis Shaw, Emma Murphy, Ava Murphy, Carson Beck, Magnus Rasmussen, and Emmett Rasmussen. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Cheryl's memory to the Kidney Foundation.