Marlene Ridley

Celebrating a Life of Love, Family, and Dedication

January 21, 1934 – September 13, 2025

Marlene Ridley, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025, reuniting with her cherished husband Wayne after nearly a decade apart.

Early Life and Family

Born on January 21, 1934, in McPherson, Kansas, Marlene was the second youngest of seven children in the bustling household of Alva, Arizona. Growing up with so many siblings, Marlene learned the values of hard work, cooperation, and laughter early in life. During her junior high years, Marlene moved to Oklahoma to live with her sister, Betty, on the family farm. It was there that she fell in love with the rhythms of farm life, a passion that would shape her future and bring her endless joy.

A Love Story

While attending high school in Morrison, Oklahoma, Marlene met her lifelong love, Wayne Ridley. Thanks to her dear friend Doralee Ridley — who introduced Marlene to her brother Wayne—the two quickly became inseparable. Marlene and Wayne married on January 13, 1951. The newlyweds began their life together on Wayne’s family farm, embracing the rural lifestyle Marlene had come to love.

When Wayne’s family farm was sold to make way for a proposed reservoir, Marlene and Wayne sought new horizons. A visit to Wayne’s sister Ruby in Idaho inspired them to start fresh in Grand View, Idaho. Accompanied by Wayne’s parents Grover and Maude Ridley, they moved on January 7, 1956, and established Ridley Ranches, building a legacy of hard work and community.

Family and Legacy

Marlene and Wayne welcomed six children into their lives: • Cecil, born in 1952 in Oklahoma • Ralph Harl was born 1953 in Oklahoma, he was only with the family a few short days • Vicki, their only daughter, born in 1955 in Ponca City, Oklahoma • Buster, born in 1958—the first Ridley child born in Idaho • Bill, born in 1959 • Ron, the youngest, born in 1962. Marlene was the proud devoted matriarch of a large family: six children, twelve grandchildren, thirty-four great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. Her home was always open, warm, and filled with laughter—and no one ever left hungry.

Community and Passions

Deeply involved in her community, Marlene could often be found cheering at local sports games, volunteering her time, or supporting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in all their activities. Marlene volunteered her time sewing for the Owyhee Vaqueros’ 4-H club. She played on a local softball team that traveled to different tournaments. Her selfless spirit and boundless energy made her a beloved figure in Grand View and beyond. When she wasn’t at a sporting event, Marlene could be found on the bowling lanes. She was an enthusiastic member of a Mountain Home Twilight Bowling League, traveling to tournaments throughout Idaho, Nevada, and Florida, and bringing home countless trophies and cherished memories.

Remembering Marlene

Marlene’s legacy is one of generosity, resilience, and joy. She practiced hard work, always striving to bring a smile or a laugh to those around her. Her unwavering support, kindness, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter Vicki Theodozio (Richard), son Buster Ridley, and son Ron Ridley (Shawna), as well as all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Marlene’s family, friends, and community will forever cherish her memory and the love she shared.

A life well-lived and a family well-loved—

Marlene Ridley will forever be remembered in our hearts. Services will be held Saturday, September 27th @11:00 at the Lion’s Club Hall in Grand View. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Grand View Ambulance.