Vickey Jean Ridenour, 75
Vickey Jean (Bell) Ridenour, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, departed this life to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 13, 2024. Vickey passed away at her home, cradled in the loving arms of her devoted husband, Steve, and with her four children gathered near. Born on April 26, 1949, in Whittier, Calif., Vickey's journey throughout life was decorated with unconditional love, laughter and a profound Christian faith that guided her life and made a huge impact on those who knew her.
Vickey graduated from Monte Vista High School in Whittier, Calif., in 1967. While in high school, Vickey met a squirrelly boy named Steve Ridenour, who was clearly out of Vickey's league, according to popular consensus of the day. Steve prayed for a miracle and persevered until Vickey finally agreed to go out with him, and thus, one of history's greatest romances began. In their senior year, Vickey was selected as Homecoming Princess, and the high school sweethearts treasured a magical, loving relationship that continued for another 58 years, with 54 of those years dedicated to one another in marriage. Those who knew Vickey, whether from her early years or adulthood, were often left in awe of her incredible beauty — both inside and out. Her physical beauty was a mere reflection of her inner grace, selflessness and the unconditional love she displayed. She possessed a remarkable ability to see and embrace people for who they truly were, recognizing every individual as a beloved child of God. Known for her fun-loving, sometimes sassy personality, she could be feisty while offering laughter and love in abundance. Vickey's joyous spirit was complemented by her charmingly stubborn nature, allowing her to advocate fiercely for those she cared about while always maintaining that disarming Vickey smile.
Vickey's life was personified by her dedication to her God and her Family. Her lifelong involvement in service to the Church, Women's Ministry, Bible Study and Worship was a passion she shared with her family, including her sister-in-law, Marsha Reese. The two were more like best friends as well as sisters as they shared their lives in Christian ministry through the Church and as compassionate caregivers through years together in Marsha's dental practice. Countless changed lives stand as testimonies of Vickey's ability to pour out her gifts through the personalized ministry of her warm spirit and nurturing heart. Engaged in worship leading with husband Steve throughout their married lives, Vickey humbly preferred to refer to herself as the "Doo-Wop" singer. Her musical gifts enriched the lives of many, inviting others to experience the joy of worship alongside her. Vickey led a life devoted to the teachings of Christ and touching the hearts of all those who knew her.
Vickey's home was a sanctuary where family and friends gathered and always felt included and "at home." Family vacations, supporting the kid's athletic and artistic endeavors, weekend drives in the car, and her love for the holidays created a tapestry of joyful memories that have been memorialized in our lives. Vickey loved celebrating Christmas as our Savior's birth and Christmas traditions shared by family and friends. Her enthusiasm for bringing people together during the holiday season was infectious as she reveled in the laughter and warmth that filled her home.
Vickey's family was her pride and her complete joy. She loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother but always cherished her lifetime of love and complete giving of self in marriage to Steve. Vickey was the quintessential mother and raised four beautiful children to become wonderful humans, strong in faith and love, just like their Mom. Always ready with a hug, understanding, guidance, and a wary look as needed, Vickey was the rock of the family. Vickey gave her life to Steve and her children, inspiring a legacy of undying love and sacrifice that will serve as a beacon of light for generations to come.
Vickey is survived by her loving husband, Steve Ridenour; their children — Stephanie Leasure and her husband, Mike; Elizabeth Page and her husband, Tommy; Matthew Ridenour and his wife, Rebecca; Kathryn Van Atta and her husband, Chris; Michelle Smith and husband Brad, and Rustam Abdurahmanov and wife Jemma. Vickey's legacy continues through her adoring grandchildren — Brody, Alexa, Milan, Paxton, Grace, Lucille, Dean, Connick, Ryman, Sylvan, Scarlett, Maddie and Jaden — and great-grandchildren Zeke, Charlie and Asher.
As a child, Vickey grew up in a loving and close family and is survived by her younger brother and sister-in-law, Brad and Carol Bell, and her aunt, Mary, who was like a second mother to Vickey. Brad and Carol were able to move to the Northwest two years ago and share that special time just loving up their sister; also surviving are sister-in-law Marsha Reese and brother-in-law Bill Reese; aunts Mary Kelley, Fawnetta Simon and Doris Alderson, as well as a multitude of loving nephews, nieces, cousins and very special friends, all of whom she loved dearly and who will carry her spirit in their hearts.
Vickey was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jennifer Lynn Ridenour; her parents, Harold and Dorothy Bell, Charles and Dee Ridenour; and brother and sister-in-law Scott and Sylvia Bell.
Vickey's indelible impact is felt deeply by all who knew her, and her life is a testament to love, faith, and resilience. A believer in the power of prayer and forgiveness, her lifelong Christian ministry devoted to helping others remains with those lives she touched.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave., in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where friends and family will gather to reflect on the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. In this moment of heartbreak, we find solace in the memories and love that Vickey Jean Ridenour imparted upon us all and God's promises of life eternal through Christ our Lord.
Visit Vickey's memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.
Ridenour