Elizabeth Ridout was the spouse of Rev. Edward Ridout.
Elizabeth (Merle) Ridout departed this life on Sunday, June 1, 2025. She passed into eternity reuniting with her dear sister, Helen, and her brothers and parents who passed before.
For the last 64 years Merle shared her life with her dear husband, Ed. In addition to Ed, she is survived by her four children, Marty and his wife, Elizabeth, Scott and his wife, Lisa, Kristi and her husband, Larry, and Steve and his wife, Rachel. In addition, she had 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Merle was a dedicated teacher whose passion in life was teaching kids to read. She began her career as a special education teacher but spent most of her career teaching first grade. She finished her career in 2006 retiring from East Salem Elementary School where she spent most of her 33 years in education.
In addition to her family and the kids she taught, her other passion was music. From playing the piano for fun, to leading multiple children’s choirs and singing alto in her church choir Merle loved the gift of song.
In her final years Merle battled with Alzheimer’s dementia. As the years passed, the disease gradually took away her memory, but it never took away her love for her family or her singing. Even in her final days she sang softly with her kids and caregivers as she prepared for eternity. She passed away the morning of June 1st surrounded by her family who loved her so dearly.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Oakey’s East Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the local Ronald McDonald House or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
(Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/roanoke/name/elizabeth-ridout-obituary?id=58540593)