Sue (Rich) Ridley

Samantha Sue Ridley, 92, of Carterville, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Herrin Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Crainville Baptist Church, with Rev. Cody Knapik officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, at the church. Inurnment will follow at Reynoldsburg Cemetery in Tunnel Hill.

Memorial contributions can be made to Crainville Baptist Church.

Sue was born April 29, 1931, in Crainville, to John Clarence “J.C.” and Grace (Choate) Rich. She married Jack Brice Ridley on December 27, 1952, in Crainville. Together they shared 69 wonderful years before his passing on April 4, 2022.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Sally Rich; nieces and nephews, Sue Ellen Rich, John (Debby) Rich, Debbie Rich, Randy (Linda) Ridley, Laura (Dick) Dobkins, and Ron (Jeanne) Ridley; great nieces and nephews, Emily (Major) Rich, Jackson Rich, and Jonathan Trexler, plus many additional great nieces and nephews; and a multitude of former students and many dear friends.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Jack Ridley; brothers, George Rodney, Jack and Sam Rich; brother-in-law, Claude (Ann) Ridley; sister-in-law, Rae Rich; nephews, Bryan Ridley and Steve Rich; plus many loving cousins and friends.

She taught Home Economics at Carterville High School for 13 years and then taught at SIU’s School of Home Economics in the clothing and textiles Department and Vocation Education Studies for 31 years. She inherited her love of teaching from her grandfather, Samuel “Sam” Jackson Choate, who taught in a one-room schoolhouse for many years.

Crainville Baptist Church was an important part of Sue’s life. She has been a faithful member of Crainville Baptist Church for 90 years, where she also taught Sunday school.

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