Diane Ridgway

Diane Ridgway, 67, of Germantown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 28th, surrounded by love.

Diane built a remarkable career in healthcare, beginning as a unit secretary at Methodist Healthcare before becoming a nurse specializing in surgery. She went on to open LeBonheur East Surgery Center alongside a dedicated team of nurses, physicians, and staff. Along the way, she was a passionate advocate for nurses and clinical staff, encouraging them to grow, lead, and reach higher levels in their careers. Her leadership, compassion, and steady presence carried her through decades with the Methodist system, ultimately serving as CEO of Methodist Germantown Hospital until her retirement in 2018.

But titles never defined Diane. She loved three things above all else: God, her family, and chocolate, and she approached all three with equal enthusiasm.

She was kind and deeply caring, with a sense of humor that could catch you off guard in the best way. As funny as she was beautiful, Diane had a way of making people feel seen and valued. She loved trees, dancing, and music that made you move, especially Elvis, Al Green, and Otis Redding. She believed that kindness does not cost anything, that no person is beneath you, and that life is simply more fun in a convertible.

Some of her happiest memories were rooted in her childhood in Pope, Mississippi, where she spent her days adventuring with her brother and cousins. Those stories stayed with her, and she told them often and with great joy throughout her life.

Diane is survived by her favorite daughter, Stephanie; her loving husband, Don; her wonderful stepson, Cameron, and his sons, Holden and Archer; her brothers, Steven and Andrew; her beloved cats, Sophie and UGA II; and a large, close-knit extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins in Mississippi.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Carol; her father, Ken; her brother, Alan; her mentor and aunt, Kathy; and many other beloved members of her extended family.

Diane led with kindness, always looked for joy, and never stopped searching for treasures and turtles. She was an avid runner. She believed in working hard, speaking up for yourself and for others, and telling the people she loved "I love you" often, because seeing them again wasn't given.

To her family, she was the best of everything.

She will be deeply missed by the many people whose lives she touched, in ways both small and profound.

A Mass for Diane will be held at St. Louis Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 1, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Baptist Reynolds Hospice House or plant a tree in her memory.

There's always a way.