Judy Ridenhour

Judy Ridenhour, age 80, passed away on September 12, 2026 in Belle, Missouri. She was a longtime resident of Belle.

Judy was born on January 1, 1946 in Belle, Missouri to the late Chesley and Mattie (Butler) Mitchem.

On June 23, 1963, Judy was united in marriage to Jim (Robert James Herbert) Ridenhour of Belle, Missouri. The couple exchanged their vows at Pilot Knob Church in Belle, Missouri, beginning a beautiful life together. For 58 years, Judy and Jim shared a devoted marriage, until Jim’s passing in November 2021.

Judy’s working life was filled with dedication, independence, and a strong work ethic. She began her career at the International Shoe Factory, where she was employed until the factory eventually closed. Judy then took a new step and opened her own business, Judy’s Shoe Shop, where she enjoyed serving her customers and becoming a familiar and friendly presence in the community. Throughout her life, Judy also worked at the Ottenheimers Coat Factory in Vichy and later at Top This Hat Factory as well as the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Judy found great joy in being creative and in making things with her own hands. She especially loved quilting and was truly gifted at turning pieces of fabric into beautiful, meaningful quilts. Quilting was more than simply a hobby for Judy; it was a way she expressed her love and care for the people around her. It was often said that nobody in Judy’s home ever went cold, because there was always a quilt nearby and a warm heart ready to share it. Judy also very deeply loved the beach and above all loved spending time with her family.

Judy was crafty in so many ways and enjoyed creating, making, and finding ways to put her talents to use. She also treasured the simple traditions that brought her family together. One of her favorite traditions was gathering on Wednesday nights with Jim to watch “Survivor”. After Jim’s passing, Judy and her family continued that tradition with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Judy and Jim were also members of Pilot Knob Baptist Church, After Jims passing Judy started to also attend Belle Community Church to continue her journey with Christ.

Judy is proceeded in death by her husband, Jim (Robert James Herbert) Ridenhour, their son Jerry Lynn Ridenhour, her sister Erma Ridenhour, and her brother-in-law Calvin Hafley.

Judy is survived by three children, daughter Tina and her husband Ward Sooter of Bland; two sons Paul and his wife Sherry Ridenhour of Belle, Clay and his wife Jill Ridenhour of Vichy; six grandchildren Meagan Lewis and her husband Derek of Belle, Whitney Sooter of Belle, Nathan Ridenhour and his wife Brittany, Dalton Ridenhour and his wife Shelby of Belle, Cheslee Ridenhour and his significant other Gracie White of Belle and Nolan Ridenhour of Belle; eight great-grandchildren, Madison Ridenhour, Eli Ridenhour, Evelyn Ridenhour, Emilyn Lewis, Brooklyn Ridenhour, Liam, Kaylor, Huxley Lewis, and one more on the way Bexton Ridenhour

Visitation for Judy will be on September 15, 2026 at Pilot Knob Church in Belle, Missouri from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with interment in Pilot Knob Cemetery in Belle, Missouri

In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to the Pilot Knob Church Cemetery or the Pilot Knob Ladies Group.