Ruby Jean Ridgway, 96, of Mexico, MO, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at The Arbors Care Facility in Mexico.

Ruby was born on September 17, 1927, in Centralia, MO., the daughter of Forrest and Cleva (Waters) Roddy.  On May 16, 1948, she married William Bernard Ridgway, also of Centralia.

Ruby was always known for her positive disposition, never being a complainer; her fun-loving personality, eagerness to laugh and sharing stories she loved to tell.  Selfless and kind, her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends, not wanting to miss an opportunity to get together.  She loved to work in the yard (often having a pair of clippers in hand), shelling walnuts and looking through beloved photos.

Ruby was quick to tell how thrilled she was to learn God's personal name and began her study of the Bible soon afterwards.  She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1964 and continued as a member of the Mexico congregation until her death.  She was loved by all who met her.

She was the last of her siblings, preceded in death by four sisters and ten brothers.  Her husband Bernard died October 14, 2015, as well as her daughter, Brenda (Joe) Wade of Belleville, MI on November 14, 2021.

She is survived by her daughter, Reba (Lin) Horton of Auxvasse, MO, and sons, Ron (Cindy) Ridgway, David (Dawn) Ridgway, Paul (Theresa) Ridgway, all of Mexico, MO & Darren (Marlene) Ridgway of Boonville, MO; ten grandchildren: Brandy Prevedel, Nathan Wade, Brian Wade, Shelby Stevenson, all of Michigan.  Amber Cardona, Ashley Ridgway, Kyle Ridgway, Alicia Eldridge, all of Mexico, MO., Caitlyn Friedrich and Quintin Ridgway both of Boonville, MO. and thirteen beloved great grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 1:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Mexico, MO.