Phyllis Jean Ridenhower, 75, of Sorento, formerly of Litchfield, died Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.
Mrs. Ridenhower was born on Feb. 12, 1949, in Litchfield, a daughter of Paul James and Frances LaVonne (Hurst) Stewart, Sr. She was a graduate of Litchfield Community High School with the class of 1967. Her first marriage was to Gary Frank, Sr. Together they had four children, and that later ended in divorce. She then married John “J.R.” M. Ridenhower on May 12, 1981 in Litchfield, and he preceded her in death on Jan. 1, 2010.
Mrs. Ridenhower loved music and dancing and traveled with her husband J.R. in the various bands that he played in and became a sound and light board operator. She held a commercial driver’s license for several years and drove over the road for many of those years. She was a great cook and made the best lasagna and baked spaghetti. Mrs. Ridenhower loved to read and write and wrote three books, but they weren’t published. She loved having a good ole time and being with her family was important to her.
Mrs. Ridenhower is survived by two sons, Gary (Fiancée Tanya Roberts) Frank of Maryville and Jimmy Frank of Litchfield and two daughters, Angela (fiancé Jim Roberson) Frank of New Douglas and Sherry Willette of Sorento; two brothers, Paul (Lori) Stewart, Jr., of Hillsboro and George Stewart of Litchfield and a sister, Pauline (Bill) Webb of Moberly, MO; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, J.R., she was preceded in death by her parents.
A service of remembrance and celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, at 12 p.m. at the Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Interment will be in the Crabtree Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday.
Memorials are asked to be given to assist with expenses, C/O Angela Frank. To light a virtual candle, sign the online guestbook, or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com
