Evelyn L (Friend) Ridge

Butler – Evelyn L Ridge, 90 of Butler went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday September 20, 2018 at Laurels of DeKalb in Butler. She was born July 27, 1928 in Jackson Township, Auburn, IN to Arthur Murwood and Berniece Beatrice (Peters) Friend. She was a 1946 Graduate of Spencerville High School. She was the Butler License Branch Manager for 22 years. Evelyn was a member of the Waterloo United Methodist Church, Butler PTA, Farm Bureau since 1948, Friendship Grange #2404 of Auburn, Pythian Sisters of Waterloo/Hamilton and was a 50 plus year member of the Spencerville Eastern Star Chapter # 386. She was on the DeKalb County Extension Board, DeKalb County Republican Women and was a Precinct Committeewoman. She also belonged to the Extension Club serving as President and club Treasurer. She was awarded Homemaker of the Year in 2005. Evelyn proudly partnered with her husband, in creating a rich, productive and rewarding life continuing the farming legacy handed down by both sides of their families. They resided at the location of the Ridge family farm throughout their married life and found great pleasure in working the land, caring for animals, growing crops and building lasting relationships with friends, neighbors and family throughout their time on the farm. While farming was work that they loved and cherished, both Evelyn and Bob found their greatest joy in their family, both immediate, extended and “Family” they had yet to meet. Evelyn endeared herself to all she met and once you knew Evelyn, you were lifelong friends. She exemplified a servant’s heart in all that she did. Evelyn married Charles Robert “Bob” Ridge on May 30, 1948 in Auburn and he passed away January 19, 2003. Surviving are 3 sons and daughter in laws, Jack and Marjie Ridge of Charleston, SC, James and Judy Ridge of Hinsdale, IL and Jeffrey and Sherry Ridge of Butler; 6 grandchildren, Karla (Jason) Kreischer, Charles “Ryan” (Janet) Ridge, Matthew Ridge, Jason Ridge, Bradly Kosar and Jennifer Kosar; 5 great grandchildren, Grace Kreischer, Lilyan Kreischer, Paige Kreischer, Leah Kreischer and Kenall Kreischer; 2 sisters and a brother, Marcille H Wible of Fort Wayne, Ruth Ann and David Walters of Auburn and Paul W and Inger Friend of Angola; 2 sisters in laws, LeAnna Friend of Auburn and Barb Friend of Decatur, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 sisters, Mildred Fisher and Betty Louise Friend; 2 brothers, Donald Friend and Larry Friend. Services will be 11 am Monday, September 24, 2018 at Auburn First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Burial will follow the service in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Calling is Sunday from 2 to 6 PM at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church Monday from 10 to 11 am. Preferred memorials are to the Eastside Area Community Foundation c/o Farmers and Merchants Bank of Butler. To send condolences visit www.fellerandclark.com.