Joel Ridge

Joel Lee Ridge

Joel “graduated” as Mom called it, on April 13, 2025, Palm Sunday. He is now forevermore free, healthy and with our parents, sister and many family members in God’s presence.

Joel was the youngest of four siblings. He was the “baby”! Such a cutie, white – blonde hair and blue eyes! As a youngster, he loved Superman! He “flew” around in his cape all day long! He loved the outdoors. We were a family of fishing, camping, boating, skiing, snow sledding, ice-skating and all fun things! Joel was always smiling, laughing and enjoying family gatherings! We had too many birthday parties to count! Mom knew how to do it up! Our backyard was always the playground where we played croquet and badminton every summer, thanks to our dad, who was always a kid at heart. That was a favorite in later years for his nieces and nephews, too. He was an excellent ping pong player! The games were always ON!

We attended and were all members of Gashland Baptist Church. Joel’s membership is still there. Joel graduated from Oak Park High School in 1975. He and his lifelong friend, Howard Kelsey, grew up together in our neighborhood. Rick, Janette and Joel spent time together as teenagers riding around in old cars. Daddy had an old 47 Buick! Joel, Mom and Dad took many trips together. He was a traveler.

Joel lived at home till he was about 43. He moved into Mockingbird Manor a group home in Liberty, MO, where he lived for over 20 years. He made many friends there, extended family, attended a day program, had outings with friends and came home almost every weekend.

Joel was a jokester! He did great impressions. He always had an excellent memory. You could ask him almost any trivia question or the name of the old actor in an old movie, and he would know it!

June 4, 2021, Joel moved into Aspire Senior Living, Platte City. It was a beautiful day. We stopped and got a “quarter pounder-no cheese” on the way, his favorite. The move was such a blessing for Joel and for our family. He was happy and engaged and so very well cared for! He had moved closer to all of us! Everyone there became even more extended family. His roommate, James Hawkins, was and is a good friend, too.

Even though his last day here on earth was difficult, he is soaring high now.

Joel was preceded in death by our mom and dad: John Samuel Ridge and Anna Lois (Nichols) Ridge; our sister: Janette (Ridge) Langston.

He is survived by his sister Lynn (Tom) McRill; brother Rick (May) Ridge;

Many cousins, nieces, nephews and grand nephew; lifelong friend, Howard Kelsey.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home on Thursday, April 17th, with visitation beginning at 6:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 6:45pm. Joel will be laid to rest at Terrace Park Cemetery on Friday, April 18th at 2:00pm. A recording of the services will be available at the following link https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=6ef2745a-810c-4ce0-ae89-a88280d49c64