Ronald "Riff" Louis Ridgel

On November 18, 2025, Tickfaw lost one of the brightest and sweetest smiles you've ever seen...Riff Ridgel. He was born to Buddy and Michele Ridgel on February 24, 1977.

Riff loved all sports but his special talent and love was for basketball. You could always hear the sounds of the basketball thuds from Riff and all his friends and relatives playing on the patio. He would be outside shooting hoops until he was forced to come in. He played for Oak Forrest Academy and Independence High School. Prior to the accident he was employed with Turner Industries as a scaffold builder which he truly loved doing.

Riff spent a lot of time on the patio enjoying a cold beer with family and friends visiting throughout his life. His favorite time in life was when Tristin came for the weekend and holidays and when he was able to watch him play all his sports.

After his accident, Riff had many faithful friends who visited and brought great joy to him. One noted, co-worker/boss and spiritual friend was Marion Martello who visited every Sunday evening and only missed coming three times in 15 years. They spent time sharing religious sermons, prayers, watching TV and catching up on old times.

Riff is survived by his son, Tristin Ridgel, the light of his life and his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Taffy (Glenn) Hauck; and brother, BJ Ridgel. Also surviving Riff are Jennifer Suarez, (mother of his son), and Victoria Suarez (whom he considered his daughter). He is survived by many aunts and uncles, Jerry (Becky), Danny (Marybeth), Harry (Jo Belinda), Elaine (Joey), Tammy (Eric), Timmy (Cindy), Margie and Melodie, and numerous cousins. He has two nieces, Brennan (Allissa), Jayden, and nephew, Connor, along with one great-niece, Sloane. Also Carol (Jim) Gray whom he considered and called aunt and uncle. His surviving cat, Helen Keller, who is deaf, has been wandering the house crying and howling since he was taken away.

Riff was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louis and Mittle Ridgel; maternal grandparents, Ronald and Margery Daly.

Riff had a loyal dog, Pedro, who was dropped off in the neighborhood and went to sit by Riff's wheelchair and never left his side until Pedro's death.

So many people worked toward keeping Riff alive and well. Heartfelt thanks go out to Dr. C. William Gilbreath, Dr. Arvind Yertha, Dr. Jacques Peltier, Dr. Robert Kidd, Dr. Stacy Newman, Dr. Gregory Mula including North Oaks Wound Care (Allison, Blaine, and Marlena) and each of their staff members for their years of outstanding care and always treating him as a special patient.

Visitation will be held at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Hammond, on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Mount Stevens Cemetery (Red Hill) located on Hwy 1065.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to The Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff at P.O.Box 675, Natalbany, LA 70451 or on their webpage. The annual Riff Ridgel Crawfish Cookoff helped Riff and several other beneficiaries since 2015. The benefit will continue in his name and honor with funds going to assist selected local persons in need. Many other fundraising efforts like bowling, silent auctions, and yard sales also raised much needed money to meet Riff's health care expenses. Riff was so fortunate to have so many people in his life: family, friends, and even strangers giving donations of their time and money.

Services have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes.