Barbara Ridge

Barbara (Yadron) Ridge of Frankfort Illinois departed this life on December 5, 2022, surrounded by her family in love, song and prayer. She is preceded in death by her loving husband Bob of 59 years leaving 4 grateful children: Maureen (Todd) Valliere, Christine Ridge, Robert (Rachel) Ridge and Lauren Ridge Clark along with her special gifts from God 5 grandchildren: Adam Abigail Addison Landon and Riley. Loving sister, aunt and friend to many.
Barb grew up in Harvey Illinois, united in a Roman Catholic faith filled home, the only daughter with 4 strong treasured brothers alongside her parents. Her prayer was that we all will see his great glory, be blessed with Gods graces and keep our faith. She met the love of her life as a young woman, and she sang this refrain daily when Bob returned home. This loving family matriarch always embraced the simple pleasures of a day, her family and happy hour. Family gatherings she opened her heart and home creating traditions that will be embraced for years to come. She took much pride in her scrapbooking hobby to capture her journeys, accomplishments and life paths. A teacher in her career she taught us the way to create memories with the gift of a new day. Finding joy in a long drive to find a new spot /hidden gem, chats with good friends & sisters-in-law, trips to downtown Chicago, tiki bars, playing games, books on tape, Labor Day party-time, Florida sunsets, her kind brothers, the sound of the ocean waves rolling in, sharing in deck patio time, coffee to start the day and wine or Manhattan to end the day. She aged like her fine wine. She will be missed greatly here on earth, but joy lies in the fact she is embracing Bob and singing I Can't Stop Loving you.
She asked we sing and dance at her wake... and so we shall.
A visitation will be held for Barbara at St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Parish 17500 84th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL 60487, on Friday, December 16, 2022, from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Barbara's name to the National Kidney Foundation, http://www.kidney.org would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements handled by Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort IL 60423, kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-806-2225.