Dr. Rhonda Rae Ridinger

Dr. Rhonda Rae Ridinger, born January 8, 1950, in Braddock, PA, died February 22, 2026, in Springfield, MO, following a stroke caused by antiphospholipid syndrome. She was loved endlessly by innumerable family members and friends. The hole left by her absence feels impossibly deep.

Perhaps the most exceptional detail of her life is the breadth of her impact. During her forty-six-year tenure as a kinesiology professor and field hockey coach at Missouri State University, she taught, mentored, and coached more than 5,000 college students, nearly all of whom went on to successful careers in education, healthcare, and other fields. The world continues to benefit immensely from her perspective, skills, and work.

Rhonda grew up in a loving family in Paris, AR and Connellsville, PA. Her mother, Dorothy Malik; grandmother, Lottie Montgomery; and aunt, Lilian Watson, each indelibly shaped the strong-willed and caring woman she became. After graduating from Connellsville High School in 1967, she earned a bachelor's degree from Slippery Rock University by age twenty, a master's degree from the University of Arkansas by twenty-one, and her doctorate from The Ohio State University by twenty-five.

Her service at Missouri State began simultaneously in the classroom, as faculty in the Kinesiology Department, and on the field, as head coach of the women's field hockey team. She led Missouri State to a national field hockey championship in 1979 and, to this day, remains among the most successful NCAA field hockey coaches by percentage wins. She retired from coaching in 1991, but she remains close to her field hockey players, who are family.

As a professor, she taught thousands of students exercise science and anatomy, championed better benefits for professors as a member of the Faculty Senate, and pursued research focused on improving physical education in public schools. Some career highlights include leading a longstanding lunchtime fitness group for Missouri State faculty and staff and serving for years on the Board of Directors for Jordan Valley Community Health Center. For her academic and athletic achievements, she has been inducted into the Missouri State University Sports Hall of Fame (1987), the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame (2010), and the Missouri State University Wall of Fame (2024).

Rhonda's greatest successes, however, relate to her family. Her steadfast care for her parents allowed them both to live independently into their 90s. Her unwavering support of, and belief in, her son Chris permitted him to pursue a life and career he desired. She was a rock in the daily life of her closest friend, Dr. Sarah McCallister. Rhonda's commitment to her friends and colleagues demonstrated a loyalty far too rare in this world. She was a trusted sounding board and confidant to innumerable family members, friends, and colleagues. Rhonda loved, and gave, completely.

Triggered by antiphospholipid syndrome, Rhonda experienced four strokes between January 2017 and December 2019, causing aphasia. A testament to the strength of her will, she pursued endless hours of speech and occupational therapy, successfully regaining her quality of life. Her recovery efforts during these years enabled her to experience some of her life's greatest joys. This includes watching her son marry the love of his life, graduate from law school, and pursue his own career. She also cherished the opportunity to cheer on her daughter-in-law while she defended her doctoral dissertation and pursued her own career in academia. Her greatest joy, doubtlessly, was becoming a grandmother to identical twin grandsons and watching them progress through the first years of life. She was chiefly proud. The family is grateful for the outstanding care and expertise provided during the past several years by the medical and therapy staff at Mercy Hospital Springfield and Washington University School of Medicine.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Clark (Dr. Amanda Gilbert), of St. Louis, MO; twin grandsons, Charles and Ethan Clark of St. Louis, MO; her dearest friend, Dr. Sarah McCallister, of Springfield, MO; cousin, Dottie Miller, of Marble Falls, TX; aunt, Dora Curry of Mauldin, SC, and many other cousins spread throughout the country. She is predeceased by her mother, Dorothy Malik; father, Logan Ridinger, beloved stepfather, George Malik; beloved aunt, Lillian Watson; as well as her grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

She loved long walks in her beloved Rountree neighborhood, dogs (especially Wee-Tot, Ryan, Sassy, and Ophie), chocolate-covered pretzels, trees, trips to the beach, watching airplanes, beautiful clothes, good taste, and her hair brush. She was loving, kind, quirky, supremely private, compelling, witty, funny, prayerful, sophisticated, generous beyond words, understated, bright, and gracious. She was the opposite of simple, in the best possible way. A woman of the strongest faith, there is simply no doubt that she is now, and will always remain, peaceful and happy in the presence of her God. May her life be a model, and her memory a blessing.

A celebration of life will occur at Grace Fellowship Church, 412 Painter Street, Everson, PA, on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10:30am (viewing) and 11am (ceremony), officiated by longtime family friend, Rev. Travis Deans. Interment will follow at Irwin Union Cemetery, Irwin, PA. An additional celebration of life will take place May 2, 2026, from 12pm-2pm at Springfield Brewing Company, 305 South Market Street, Springfield, MO. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Dr. Rhonda Ridinger Memorial Fund at Slippery Rock University, supporting the university's field hockey program and athletes. The donation link can be accessed here: https://www.srufoundation.org/ridinger.html.