Kenneth Lee Ridge
Kenneth Lee Ridge, 83, of Lansing, a man of Faith, friendship, and family died peacefully on Friday, September 15, 2023. Ken was born September 5, 1940, in Lansing, the son of Roscoe Duncan and Elizabeth Mae (Butler) Ridge. He graduated from Dewitt High School in 1958 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. His service took him to Pirmasens, Germany, where he met Patricia Danek, a young lady also serving in the Army. The two fell in love, returned to the States, and married on July 29, 1961. Ken and Patty settled in Charlotte, where they raised their family and Ken worked 20 years at Oldsmobile in Tool and Die. He lived a life of deep-rooted Faith, which led him to serve as lay leader for many years at First Baptist Church of Charlotte. He eventually attended Moody’s Bible College, where he became an ordained minister, thus beginning his true life’s work as a Baptist minister. He pastored at Tower Hart Baptist Church in East Lansing on two different stints, as well as sharing his ministry throughout the area. He was an active member of Cowboys for Christ, and enjoyed Cowboy action shooting, hunting and fishing, and American History. Above all, Ken’s devotion was to God and to his love for family, especially his grandchildren.
Ken is survived by two sons, Wayne (Yvonne) Ridge of Charlotte and Daniel (Debra Olney-Ridge) of East Lansing; daughter, Diane (Shawn) Smith of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Duane “DJ” McGill, Jr., Eric (Morene) McGill, Shalyne (Sean) Harris, Hailee Ridge (fiancé Russ Werner), Michael Zamora, Karis (Josh) Mayer, Mason Ridge, Matthew Ridge, Samantha (Matt) Frizzle, Alexa Smith, and Zachary Smith; five great-grandchildren; brother, Dennis (Karen) Ridge; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Patty Ridge; granddaughter, Jenae Ridge; brother, Roscoe David (Clare) Ridge; and sister, Geraldine (Jack) Christie.
Friends are encouraged to support Ken’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Memorial Service will take place at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Towar Hart Baptist Church in East Lansing with Pastor Dave Liesman officiating. The service will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Ken’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Abigail Hospice or the Towar Hart Baptist Church. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.