Edith Mathews Ridenhour Obituary | Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care

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.

Michael J. Wren on Mar 24, 2010

Sorry Mom, I made a mistake above.

Mother on Mar 24, 2010

I love and will miss my mother very much. She has brought me great joy in my life. I am so over come by the out pouring of friendship from the people of Ames. I am so glad she did not have to suffer long, but her being with her friends at the end was such a comfort to her. I know that she loved you all. Mom, when my time comes I will be looking for you. Love, your son Michael

Cindy Stigler, Friend on Mar 24, 2010

Edith and I used to take care of dogs for a friend of ours. Every time they were out of town Edith would call and we would visit for sometimes an hour. She had an amazing love of animals. If saw an animal she needed attention, she never fail to let the right people know. She knew how to make me laugh with her stories. She was an amazing woman. I will miss you Edith.

Michael G Smith Retired Captain with the Ames PD a on Mar 24, 2010

Edith and I worked at the Ames PD for a number of years and she was always a good friend. Her humor always was welcomed and she was just a good member of the Police Department. I can't remember anytime that she didn't greet you with a smile and a demeanor of friendship. People like edith is just another reason I still miss the Ames PD.

Joshua, Angel and Lana Pavey (Great nephew, son of on Mar 23, 2010

In the short time I knew Aunt Edith, she was a fun, spunky person with a great love for animals and life. Josh and I will surely miss her.

Zerr on Mar 23, 2010

I am so very saddened to learn of Edith's passing. She was a kind hearted woman who was very thoughtful. She would bake for my husband and chase him down on his mail route or know which day he would deliver her mail and would have treats of some kind ready for him. Peace be with you, Edith and know that you will be missed.

Marcy Hood, former City worker and neighbor on Mar 23, 2010

Edith and I were neighbors for almost 6 years on Clark and often ran into each other while I worked at City Hall. Edith was a tough cookie with a sharp wit, but deep down was a very caring and loving person. I gave Edith a little red wagon that my kids no longer used. She would tell me everytime she saw me how great that little wagon helped her with her gardening. I am so glad I was able to be a small part of her life - she was a great lady and will be missed.

Betty and Jack Gordon on Mar 22, 2010

What a great photo of Edith, 1 of her 3 dogs, and her backyard flower/plant garden!

I loved her front yard & would visit with her in the front yard when out for my nightly walk thru our neighborhood.

Edith always had a big smile on her face and jovial spirit.

I remember her well from her meter maid years when she might have gotten me once or twice.

How appropriate your 1st post is from your former big boss, Denny Ballentine! :)

Rest in peace Edith; now I'm not sure how God will appreciate you ticketing him and your welcome wagon person at the front gate! :) lol

Since you ticketed the mayor and fellow officers, look out HEAVEN, HERE COMES EDITH on her patrol. :) hugs/kisses

Betty and Jack Gordon
neighbors on Clark Ave.
and DOT employees who knew husband Ron Wren .....

Dennis Ballantine on Mar 22, 2010

Edith was a wonderful woman and I had the pleasure of working with her for many years.

She was fun, full of life and a very good person. She will be missed.

Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care on Mar 22, 2010