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BORN
1925
DIED
2022
Jean Ridenbaugh Obituary
January 4, 1925- June 3, 2022
Santa Cruz
Jean was born at the Old Mission Hospital in Santa Cruz to Mario and Lucy Girarde. She attended Gault Elementary, Branciforte Jr. High and graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 1943. During high school Jean worked at Polly's Lunch on Ocean Street and the Cafe on the end of the wharf. After graduating, she worked at Santa Cruz County Bank. Her second home was Cowell's Beach, spending all her free time there and this is where she met her future husband Ben, where he was a lifeguard. They were married March 3, 1946 and had two children, Mark and Jan. While Jean was a stay-at-home mom, she volunteered at the schools; serving as past Bayview PTA treasurer, an active member of the Marri-Eds club and treasured the group and was a Brownie leader. She volunteered with Polly McNealy at the Duncan Holbert School swimming program. Jean was actively involved with all her SCHS class reunions from 1958 through 2003. At the age of 45 Jean started back to work at San Lorenzo Lumber Company which was owned by the Robert Butcher Family. One of her proudest accomplishments in life was that she worked there for 50 years and was dearly loved by customers and fellow employees. She loved telling the story, that when Covid hit "she was forced into early retirement" at 95 years old!
Jean and Ben loved entertaining and traveling with friends over the years. Frequenting Casinos was one of her favorite pastimes! She was an avid SF Giants fan and jumped at any opportunity to go to a game!
Jean is survived by her son, Mark Ridenbaugh and daughter, Jan Lemos, nieces Patty and Paula, nephew David, brother-in-law, Paul Patrick, family and loved ones. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Ben Ridenbaugh, her sister, Joan Patrick and son-in-law, Charles Lemos. We'd like to give a special thanks to her "other daughters" and to Hospice for everyone that supported us, especially our favorite nurse Pat. Her wish to pass at home was only possible with the loving care of Shirley for whom we will be forever grateful. Please celebrate the fabulous life she lived with style and grace. Donations are preferred to Hospice of Santa Cruz County, 940 Disc Dr., Scotts Valley, Ca 95066
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Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries
Steven Smith
December 17, 2022
Jean was my mother Eleanor Bardwell- Smith's best friend while they grew up on the beach in Santa Cruz. I'm Steve her son and we live in a different state. Just found out of her passing. She was the sweetest warmest person. I'm sorry for your loss !
My mother died of cancer in 1995.
Donna Kimball
June 17, 2022
How can I describe my friend Gene! She loved life and in her long life she completed not just one but two bucket list. In her 90s she took a hot air balloon ride over Napa up in Northern California. It was a delight to hear her describe that adventure along with so many other stories she had to share through the years. I´m sure many other friends could share delightful times with her as well. I´ll continue to be blessed by our 30+ years of friendship. She was a loyal, devoted and generous friend. A very faithful friend indeed. She will be missed.
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