Edith Mathews Ridenhour's Obituary
Edith Ridenhour, 78, of Ames, IA, passed away quietly at home on Saturday evening. She was surrounded by her son, daughter, daughter-in-law and her 3 dogs, Moose, Wiener and Rufus. A visitation will be will be 3:00 -- 8:00 pm with the family present 5:00 -- 8:00 pm Wednesday, March 24, at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way, with a 10:30 am funeral service Thursday March 25 at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Ames. Burial will be at Gilbert Cemetery in Gilbert, Iowa. Edith was born August 7, 1931 in Ames to Harley & Ethel Mae (Hovey) Mathews. She grew up on the family farm near Gilbert and later moved to Ames. Edith's grandfather was one of the founding fathers of Gilbert. She was best known as an Ames City Meter Maid and many would see her around town in her three wheeled Cushman, she showed no favoritism and ticketed an Ames mayor and many fellow police officers. She retired after twenty seven years. She continued to work part-time for the City of Ames and part-time at the Companion Animal Clinic in Gilbert. She also cared for many local residents pets. Edith spent years with her husband Delmar traveling to historical Barb Wire and Craft shows. She also enjoyed fishing, crafts, gardening and bird watching. Her fellow police officers and firemen had many pranks they pulled on Edith, but she would stand her ground and give it right back to them. Many people enjoyed her cooking with many recipes from her German ancestry. And of course Edith loved animals especially her dogs. Edith married Ronald C. Wren in 1955. They had 2 children and divorced in 1966. She then married Delmar Ridenhour. Edith is survived by her son, Michael J. Wren and his wife Bonnie of Bluemont, VA, daughter Linda S. Wren of Spanish Fork, UT, granddaughters Erin Wren and Audrey Grow and great-grandson, Alex Grow, and her step-daughter-in-law Judy, her husband Gary and their children. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother Charles Mathews, sisters Goldie Musgrove and Helen Conner. In lieu of flowers, Edith requests that you make a donation in her name to the Ames Animal Shelter. On line condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
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