Obituary of Mary Ellen Alexander Ridinger

Mary Ellen Alexander Ridinger was born 15th July, 1929 to Milton and Minna Alexander in Gillespie, Illinois and peacefully passed away at her home in Birmingham, Alabama on August 10, 2024. Mary graduated from Gillespie High School, in Gillespie Illinois. Soon after graduating she met and married Jack Lee Ridinger. While Jack was in the army they were stationed in Atlanta, Georgia briefly. Jack and Mary, along with their friends Marilyn and Bob Nelson opened and operated the first laundromat in Caseyville, Illinois from 1961 until 1979. Mary was employed at Scott Air Force Base as an assistant command engine manager where she retired in 1988. Mary was an avid sports fan and loved to be with her loving husband at football and basketball games. Both Jack and Mary were members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, where they were involved and worshipped each week. They were loyal basketball fans and held season tickets to the Collinsville Kahoks games with close friends Ken and Kay Jones for many years. Mary was a beautiful seamstress and really enjoyed teaching her long time friend, Jeannine Mayo how to sew. Jack and Mary sold their home in Collinsville, Illinois to move to Birmingham, Alabama in 2011 to be near their only child, Ann Ridinger Skelton and their twin grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In Birmingham, Mary was a long time member of Vestavia Hills Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack Lee Ridinger as well as her daughter Ann Ellen Skelton and great-grandson Deacon Wesley Maddox. She is survived by her grandchildren Jacqueline (Wes) Maddox and Grant (Kaleigh) Stokes and great grandchildren Elon W. Maddox IV and Laurel, Locklyn and Lawson Stokes all of Birmingham, Alabama. As well as her son-in-law, Leonard C. Skelton, Jr. The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice Care Team. Also, thank you to the loving caregivers along the way. Especially to Laurie and Pam for their love and tender care. A memorial service will be held on August 21, 2024 at 11:00am at the Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vestavia Hills Lutheran Church General Missions Fund. Condolences may be offered online at www.usreyfuneralhome.com. Usrey Funeral Home of Pell City is in charge of arrangements.