Obituary of Elizabeth C. Ridenour

August 6, 1938 - July 30, 2025

Elizabeth Catherine (Paluch) Ridenour.  Age 86 of Southgate. 

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Devoted Volunteer.

Elizabeth passed away on July 30, 2025. She lived a life rooted in family, her Catholic faith, and volunteerism.

She was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Ridenour, and her parents, Peter and Elizabeth Paluch. Those who remain to honor Liz’s memory include her husband of 67 years, Larry Ridenour; her children, Douglas Ridenour, Mary Ridenour, Thomas Ridenour (Lynn), Joseph Ridenour (Kelly), Michael Ridenour (Ivy), and Anne O’Loughlin (Mike); her daughter-in-law, Cathy Ridenour; her siblings, Patricia Krueger, Mary Smith, and Paul Paluch; her beloved sixteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth, the second of four children, was born to Elizabeth and Peter Paluch in Ecorse, Michigan. Liz graduated from St. Francis Xavier School in 1956. She wed her high school sweetheart, Larry, in 1957 and they moved to Southgate soon after. They went on to have seven children.

Elizabeth took great care of her family. Her home was warm, welcoming, alive with laughter, and always smelled of home-cooked meals. Even the neighborhood kids enjoyed her sandwiches cut on the diagonal, a small touch that made everything special. She treasured the time spent with loved ones, friends, and neighbors.

Elizabeth was devoted to her Catholic faith. A lifelong member of the Church, she was active at St. Pius X, where she volunteered for many years. She trained Eucharistic Ministers and served as President of their Rosary Confraternity. She also served in her community, giving her time and energy to the City of Southgate Planning Commission. God’s will guided Liz through daily prayer. 

Liz took pride in every role she held. She was employed at Affholder Brothers Creamery, Risdon Creamery, Great Lakes Steel and the AT&T Phone Company. Liz continued working as a senior-bus driver for the City of Southgate, helping local seniors. She also drove for Meals on Wheels. In every position, Liz brought a friendly smile and a sense of purpose.

Liz loved the simple joys of life. She enjoyed music, especially the timeless voices of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. She was often found dancing, whether at weddings, the St. Pius festival, or right in her living room. She loved playing cards with family and friends. Summers were spent swimming in the backyard pool, reconnecting with her high school friends, or vacationing in Oscoda, where she canoed down the Au Sable River and relaxed on the sandy shores of Lake Huron. A generous hostess, Liz loved the holidays, Christmas and Easter especially. Whether she was hosting a large reception, a Sunday-birthday, or a dinner with friends, she created an atmosphere of fun and belonging at her dining room table.

Liz leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and service. Her fun spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to God and those around her will be dearly missed.

A funeral Mass will be said by Fr. Bob McCabe, held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 6, 2025. Elizabeth will lie instate at 9:30 AM, with a Mass beginning at 10:00 AM. A luncheon will follow at Crystal Gardens in Southgate, MI.