Mary Ridgeway

Mary L. Ridgeway, 81, of Cerro Gordo, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2013 at Kindred Hospital in Springfield, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, May 14, 2013 2013 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur, IL. Visitation will be from 5 - 8 PM on Monday at the funeral home in Decatur. Burial will be at the Cerro Gordo Cemetery, Cerro Gordo, IL. Memorials may be given in her name to her favorite charities: St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital, or by gifting a children's book to Hope Welty Library in Cerro Gordo, IL Mary was born June 2, 1931, the daughter of William and Charlotte Kinsell Hehmann. She grew up in Gibson City, IL where she attended Drummer High School. While working at Stokely Canning Factory in Gibson City, Mary met George Ridgeway, Jr., a returning soldier, who also worked at Stokely Canning Factory. They were married October 25, 1951 in Arkansas and celebrated 61 anniversaries together. Mom was known for always thinking of others through the cards she sent and gifts of food. She enjoyed flowers and birds in her yard, country music, traveling, camping and fishing. Most of all she enjoyed cooking big meals for us and just spending time with family and friends. Surviving: husband George, daughters Becky (Michael) Kuizinas, Marla (Marty) Cogan, Linda Stewart and sons, Dennis (Debbie) Ridgeway, David (Michelle) Ridgeway, and Donnie (Lisa) Ridgeway. Grandchildren Robbie Albert, Tracy Albert Neinas, Brandi Greenleaf, and Josh, Sean, Laura, Katy and Nick Cogan, Erin Stewart, Derek, Samantha and Bry Ridgeway, Christopher and Rachael Ridgeway. Twelve great-grandchildren who were the joy of her life. Sisters- Betty Boyd, Barbara Irvin, Shirley Skinner, Virginia Trenary, and brother Ed Hehmann. Mary was preceded by parents, two grandchildren Brian and Shanelle, two sisters Margaret and Charlotte, and five brothers- Robert, Marvin "Midge", Francis, William and Leroy. The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Mark Scott and the Staff at Decatur SIU, DMH ICU, and the Springfield Kindred Hospital staff for the loving and tender care given to Mary. "
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