Mary Ridings

Mary Ellen White Ridings, 88, died Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, in Knoxville, Tenn., after a lengthy illness.

Mary was born Aug. 24, 1919, in Antlers, Okla. She received a bachelor of arts from Arkansas State University. She was married to Dr. G. Ray Ridings 50 years and served as his office manager many years. She was a former secretary to Bishop Henley at West End United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tenn., where her husband attended medical school at Vanderbilt.

A devoted wife and mother, she was well known for her generous spirit. She was a tireless worker and a good neighbor and friend to many. She loved the outdoors, long walks and gardening.

A longtime resident of Cape Girardeau, she also lived in Tyler, Texas, before moving back to Tennessee in 2005. She was a lifelong Methodist.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. G. Ray Ridings, and a brother, Wallace White of Walls, Miss.

Survivors include two daughters, Khorsian Ridings (Serge) Blanc of Lopez Island, Wash., Dr. Sandra Ridings (the Rev. Laurence) Hesser of Clinton, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Mara Cobb, Erin Murdock, Josef Blanc and Calvin, Claire and Jonathan Hesser; and a great-grandchild, Tyler Cobb.

A service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Centenary United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Laurence Hesser officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, expressions of condolences be made to the Mary Ridings Memorial Fund at Memorial United Methodist Church, 323 N. Main St., Clinton, Tenn., 37716.