Obituaries

Joy G. (Howard) Ridley, Age 73, of Corunna, Michigan, died Wednesday, July 12, 2023, after a fearless battle of Lewy Body Dementia at Hospice House of the EUP, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. In accordance with Joy's wishes, cremation has taken place. Joy requested a "Celebration of Life" gathering that will take place at a later undetermined date for close friends and family. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org in Honor of V. Ray & Joy Ridley. Joy was born October 4, 1949, in Dunklin County, Missouri, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard and Lillie (Hardin) Howard. Ray and Joy Ridley were united in marriage on June 15, 1967, in Mt. Morris, MI. Joy enjoyed working in her yard planting and tending to her flowers, landscaping, and feeding the vast variety of birds that she attracted with her bird feeders. Hummingbirds, Baltimore Orioles, and Yellow Finches were among her favorites. When Joy wasn't working in her yard she loved "running the roads", shopping, and would always stop for a good garage sale. Joy was a stay-at-home mom and housewife most of her life. During the 90's she worked at Speak Easy restaurant, Flushing, MI and discovered she loved working in the public and fulfilling food service. In 2000, Joy began working for McLaren Hospital, Flint, MI in Nutrition Services as a Cook. After 15 years of dedicated employment, Joy retired from McLaren Hospital in 2015. Joy touched endless lives with her sense of humor and wit- from complete strangers to those that knew and loved her. No matter the day, Joy was known to make everyone around her laugh. Her smile and laugh were contagious, it was Joy's true gift on this earth. Joy is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Lillie (Hardin) Howard, her devoted husband of 56 years, V. Ray "Buzz" Ridley, and brother: Jerry Howard. Left to cherish Joy's memory are two children, son: Brian Ridley; daughter: Teresa Ridley; granddaughter: Jaelyn Ridley; brother: Dean and wife Faye Howard; sister: Ruth Ann Snyder; brother: Gary Howard; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and heartfelt caretakers. My MOM and GRANNY, WILL FOREVER BE MISSED, while "Two Sparrows will Fly Again." –Husband, V. Ray Ridley.