Mary Ellen Ridenour, 88, Mt. Morrsi, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 at Pinecrest Community, Mt. Morris.
She was born on Aug. 2, 1927 in Freeport, 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 and taught high school Home Economics and Biology in Bureau County before becoming a homemaker.
Mary Ellen married Ray R. Ridenour on Sept.22, 1951 at St. James Lutheran Church, Forreston.
They farmed in rural Forreston from 1952 to 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.
Mary Ellen loved her Lord and her family. She will be missed beyond words.
She is survived by her three children, Fred, Loveland, Colorado, Eric, Forreston, and Rachel (Mark) Herman and granddaughters, Adele and Ellen Herman, Rochester, Minnesota.
She was predeceased by her parents and husband.
Private graveside services were held.
Memorials are suggested to St. James Lutheran Church, Pinecrest Community and Serenity Hospice.
Cremation rites were handled with Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mt. Morris.