Thelma M Ridenour

Celebration of Life Service for Thelma M. Ridenour will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Chaplain DeWane Dow officiating.  A private family inurnment will be held prior to the services in the Prairie Home Cemetery at Holdrege.

Thelma Marie Ridenour, 90 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.  Thelma was born February 22, 1925 at Ragan, Nebraska, the fourth of seven children born to William Thomas and Ruth (Black) Bryan.  She received her education from Ragan Public School, graduating from Ragan High School with the class of 1942.  Thelma then received her teaching certificate and taught for a couple years.

On February 23, 1945 she was united in marriage to Charles David Ridenour and to this union six children were born:  Robert, Ross, Constance, Thomas, Rodney, and Lori.  The family made their home on a farm four miles west of Holdrege, where they engaged in farming and Thelma focused her efforts on raising their children.  Thelma could also be found working side-by-side with Charles on the farm.  When the children were young she enjoyed being active in their lives as a 4-H and Cub Scout leader and endless school activities.

Thelma was a devoted member of the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, where she was active with the United Methodist Women, serving as Past President.  She also taught Sunday school and served on various church committees throughout the years.  Many friendship bonds were formed in extension clubs, and Thelma also served on the Laird Township Board for several years.  With Thelma's large family, her love of gardening, cooking, baking and sewing benefited everyone.  Having her grandchildren stay at the farm was always special memories.

On October 25, 2001 she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles.  In March of 2008, Thelma began to make her home at the Christian Homes Care Community.

Besides her husband, Charles and her parents; she was preceded in death by a grandson, Wesley Allen Nelson; two brothers:  George Bryan and his wife, Isla, and Ward Bryan; sister-in-law, Gertrude Bryan; and brothers-in-law:  William Harms and Dr. Robert J. Ridenour.

She leaves to celebrate her life; her six children:  Bob Ridenour (Becky) of Loomis; Ross Ridenour (Linda) of Johnson Lake, Nebraska; Connie Nelson (Wesley); Tom Ridenour and Rod Ridenour (Pat) all of Holdrege; and Lori Carfield (Kevin) of McCook, Nebraska; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; three sisters:  Louise Harms and Wilma Brummer (Hap) all of Wilcox; and Donna Guthrie (Cecil) of Ragan; one brother, Chet Bryan of California; sisters-in-law: Betty Ridenour of Haxton, Colorado, Gloria Bryan of Holdrege; brother-in-law, Dan Ridenour (Norma) of Concord, California and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

There will be no memorial book signing.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Thelma's honor and kindly suggested to the First United Methodist Church of Holdrege, the Christian Homes Care Community, Aseracare Hospice, or donor's choice.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.