Barbara Ridgeway, recently of Livingston, passed away Sunday March 31. She was born Barbara Alexander in Seymour, Indiana on Feb. 3, 1937 to parents Harold and Marie Alexander. She was first and foremost a mom and wife, dedicating her life to caring for her family and friends. Blessed with a daughter and son from her first marriage, she met and married Gerald "Gerry" Ridgeway in 1960 and added a second daughter to the family. In 1966 the family relocated to Illinois where Barb volunteered with the "Welcome Wagon" helping families become familiar with their new town, as well as the Infant Welfare Society that raised money for women and children unable to afford health insurance by selling luminaries each Christmas. In addition to her volunteer work, she held many jobs including waitress, receptionist, map maker and bank teller. Her favorite position was leading activities for nursing homes. She saw that there were so many there who had been forgotten and just needed someone to talk to. She loved hearing their stories, helping them feel valued and cared for.

In 1981, she and Gerry moved to Maryland. They became very involved with Gloria de Lutheran Church. Barb took bible study classes for over 30 years and sang in the choir. When she retired, she became active in the senior center and loved to play cards. She was a great cook and famous for her pies, especially lemon meringue. She exercised her artistic side by creating beautiful needlework and flower arrangements. She loved animals, birds and music.

When Barb developed heart problems she and Gerry relocated to Texas where all of her children now live. We're so thankful for the special times we've had these last two years with them close by. She is survived by her husband, Gerry Ridgeway; her children, Vikki (Matt) Jones, Jim Sylvester, and Deb (Kurt) Neubek; and her grandsons, Dean and Grant Neubek.

She is also survived by her sisters, Pam (Benny) King and Anita Naanes plus loving nieces, nephews and countless extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and older brother Jimmy, who died as a toddler.

Barb always taught that no matter what, family stuck together, forgave each other, and loved each other. She passed on the good values of a Christian life and we're forever thankful. She'll be missed and remembered. Knowing she passed peacefully and is in God's loving arms brings her physical life to a beautiful end and her spirit life to a wonderful beginning.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Livingston on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 am.