Eleanor Ruth Ridenour, 85, of Carmi, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Carmi Manor. She was born on August 28, 1938, in Carmi, Illinois, the daughter of Frank H. and Maude (Kingston) Howell. Ruth married Donald Edwin Ridenour, Sr. on July 21, 1956, and he survives. She was a member of the Crossville Missionary Baptist Church. Ruth was a long time Election Judge. She was also a member of the Phillips Township Board. Ruth enjoyed reading, dancing, and cooking for others. No one ever left her house hungry.
In addition to her husband, Donald Ridenour, Sr, Ruth is survived by her children, Betty (Jerry) Williams, Diana (Nicholas) Carter, Jr, Donnie (Brenda) Ridenour and Richard Ridenour; grandchildren, Nikki Jo Carter, Amy and Eric Denney, Teressa (David) Morgan and Gavin and Seanna Ridenour; and great-grandchildren, Abigail and Bruce Schwarzlose. She is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Melba Medley, Walter Howell, Doris Watson, Wayne Howell, Victor Howell, Doyle Howell, Ray Howell, Larry Howell; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Diana Williams.
Funeral services for Ruth Ridenour will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi, with burial at Kuykendall Cemetery in Carmi. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until time of service on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Ruth's memory to Residential Hospice or the Alzheimer's Association and will be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home in Carmi. They can also be mailed to 609 W. Main St. Carmi, IL. 62821.