Mary Ellen Ridenour

Mary Ellen Ridenour, 88, died December 24, 2015 at Pinecrest Community, Mt. Morris, Ill. Born August 2, 1927 in Freeport, Ill., she was the only child of Ellen Mary Anna Muller Stengel and Frederick Andrew Otto Stengel. She grew up in rural Forreston, attended Mt. Morris schools and graduated from Carthage College with Honors and degrees in Home Economics and Biology. She completed her student teaching in Galva, Ill. and taught high school Home Economics and Biology in Bureau County, Ill. before becoming a homemaker. Mary Ellen married Ray R. Ridenour September 22, 1951 at St. James Lutheran church, Forreston. They farmed in rural Forreston from 1952-2004, when Ray passed away. Mary Ellen was a life long member of St. James Lutheran church, where she was active in many aspects of the church life. She was pre-deceased by her parents and husband. She is survived by her 3 children, Fred (Loveland, Colo.), Eric (Forreston, Ill.) and Rachel (Mark) Herman and granddaughters, Adele and Ellen Herman (Rochester, Minn.). Private graveside services were held. Memorials are suggested to St. James Lutheran Church, Pinecrest Community and Serenity Hospice. Mary Ellen loved her Lord and her family. She will be missed beyond words.