Oddie Emma Ridley

ODDIE EMMA ESSEX RIDLEY, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 28, 2016, surrounded by her loving family. Oddie was born March 30, 1925, in Perry County, Marion, Alabama, to Isaac Essex Sr. and Mabel Lillian Harper Essex. There, she was a member of the Hickory Grove Baptist Church and attended Lincoln Normal School. Oddie moved to Fort Wayne in 1946, where she worked as domestic help, laundry presser, and as a custom seamstress. Oddie married Richard J. Ridley Sr. and together they raised nine children. She was a baptized, active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Oddie leaves children, Richard J. (Janice) Ridley Jr. of Fort Wayne, James Irvin (Nicole) Ridley Sr. of Upper Marlboro, Md., Rev. Juanita V. Wasson (Rev. Emanuel III) of Las Vegas, NV., Erma J. Hogan (Peter M. Hogan Sr. deceased), Roberta F. Ridley, Cynthia J. (Walter) Ridley-Underwood and Danielle D. Ridley, all of Fort Wayne; 125 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great- grandchildren; and a host of loving nieces, nephews and other family members. Special acknowledgements to her dear friends: Helen Nolan, Jewel Robinson, Nila Williams, and her cousin, Isaac "Hut" Stephens. Oddie was preceded in death by her husband, Richard J. Ridley Sr., daughters, Mabel Laverne Gibson Hill and Lillian Audrey Ridley-Johnson; and two infant grandsons. Oddie was also preceded in death by her siblings, Lewis and Louise Essex, Paige Cook, Isaac Jr., Gordon and Thomas Essex and Hattie Essex-Stewart.

Funeral service is 11 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 202 W. Rudisill Blvd., with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016, at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 420 W. Wayne St., Fort Wayne, Indiana. Christian Burial at Lindenwood Cemetery, 2324 W. Main St., Fort Wayne, following services. The family request memorials to Redeemer Lutheran Church or Parkview Hospice Care. www.klaehnfahlmelton.com