Ruth Mae Ridenour

In Portland, ME on September 17, 1949 Ruth Ridenour (Nee Williams) was born. She lived 73 years, ending her days at home in South Portland, ME on March 28, 2023. She married Donald Ridenour on March 27, 1982. They spent the next 41 years together. The day she went home to Jesus she left nine children, twenty-five grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren to remember her. Hopefully, we will honor her memory by following in her footsteps.

She was one of the most caring individuals I have ever known. I fell in love with her the day we saw a motorcycle accident where she made me stop the car. She went straight to the rider and stayed with him until the paramedics arrived. She did this for almost anybody she met. Over the years we have helped many who came to our home. When we met, she had six children. We added three more. It didn’t matter. Whenever someone needed help, she would be there for them.

Kind of like Will Rogers, she never met a person she didn’t like. More to the point, nearly everyone she met liked her. During her tenure as a cashier at Tim Horton’s and Rusty Lantern in South Portland she became the favorite of many of the police and fire fighters who were right next door. In her honor they escorted her to the funeral home. She always chose to see the best in people and she always let them know she really cared by either helping them or being with them through difficult times.

Her love for her children was second to none. There was no sacrifice she wasn’t willing to make for the welfare of her kids. This carried over to our many grandchildren. I admit, at times, it strained our relationship, but her heart was always in the right place. How do you measure success? On the day of her passing, all her children who could joined me to say goodbye to her.

We will be celebrating Ruth’s life on April 8, 2023 at the Elks lodge in Portland from 3 P.M. – 7 P.M. The address is 1945 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102. We are planning to have a potluck meal. If you can bring a dish please contact Christina Anderson at 207-699-7147. There will be a cash bar.