Evelyn Alma Wise Ridenhour

Evelyn Alma Wise Ridenhour, a longtime resident of Trinity View Retirement Community in Arden, NC died in her home on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at the age of 91.

Evelyn was born in High Point, NC to Jenny Hoke Wise and Marvin Wise.  She had a sister, Lois Harris, of High Point and a brother, Lawrence Wise (deceased). She attended Lenoir-Rhyne College (University) where she met her husband of over 64 years, the Reverend Ernest W. Ridenhour. She lived in various places in North Carolina including Statesville, Startown, Salisbury, and Arden.  She was a long-standing member of The Lutheran Church of the Nativity in Arden, NC. She ministered along with her husband in various capacities such as serving on the NC Lutheran Synod Executive Board and various other boards. She attended LCA Churchwide Conventions twice as a delegate and attended the NC Synod Conventions as a delegate and on many occasions, a visitor. She was also very active in her church and state WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) organizations.  She volunteered at ABCCM and participated in various community groups. She served as a member of the Residents Association Council at Trinity View and served several terms as their president. She worked as a social worker for public and church related agencies and later in management roles at several senior living communities.  Evelyn loved to sew and do other various handmade crafts.  She enjoyed camping, hiking and spending time with her family.  She was especially proud of all of the Chrismons she made to place on the Chrismon Trees where she and her husband served, her home and at Trinity View. 

Evelyn is survived by her Children, Sharon Bost (John), Joel Ridenhour (Janet), The Reverend Steven Ridenhour (LaRue), Mark Ridenhour (Cindy) and Crystal Ridenhour; grandchildren Jennifer (Bost) Clough (Chris), Adam Bost (Kyle), Phillip Ridenhour, Matthew Ridenhour (Emily), Jacob Ridenhour (Kara), Jason Ridenhour (Becca), Michael Ridenhour, and Ethan Ridenhour; great grandchildren Gracen, Harper, Emary, Noah, Tate, Henry, and Kennedy; sister, Lois Harris, sister-in-law Grace Ridenhour, Sister-in-law Harriet Wise; and many, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband, Pastor Ernest W Ridenhour; brother, Lawrence Wise; brothers-in-law, The Reverend William (Bill) Ridenhour, Paul Pless, and Marion Harris; sisters-in-law, Margaret and Estelle (Sissy) Ridenhour, and Ruth Ridenhour Pless; niece Martha Pless Schutte.

The family will schedule a memorial service at a later time due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Memorials may be made in her name to Trinity View Retirement Community, 2533 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704 or The Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2425 Hendersonville Road, Arden, NC 28704.

Wife, mother, Worker and Child of God; A life well lived. 

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