Melissa (Lisa) “Kim” Ridens, 58, died on Monday, May 17, 2021, after battling lung cancer for four-and-a-half years, at her home in Greenville. She had a survivor’s heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July, 17, at the Taylor Springs Community Building.
Ms. Ridens was born on May 3, 1963, to Palmer Ridens, Jr., and Judith (Cruthis) Chumley. She was raised in the Marine and Coffeen area. Her life and travels lead her to Louisburg, MO, where she made her home until her illness made it necessary to be close to her family. Ms. Ridens was self-employed for many years until finding her calling as a home health caregiver with Advantage Home Health in Buffalo, MO.
A devout Christian with a heart for broken people, Ms. Ridens knew no strangers and everyone she met became her family. She found the love of her life in Shawn Evans, who preceded her in death in 2010. Her pride and joy were her fur babies, Hotdog and Angel. She was a woman of strong faith, courage and love.
Ms. Ridens is survived by her daughters, Cassie Walters and Ashley McCoy; grandchildren, A.J. and Peyton; brothers, Sam Chumley, Pete Ridens, John Chumley and Gerry Ridens; sisters, Sue Snow, Melinda Marsh, Melana Wright, Jamie McCoy, Lynn Chumley and Sara Chumley; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her companion, Shawn Evans; parents; brother, Mike Ridens; and several aunts, uncles and grandparents.
