Barbara McMurry Ridenhour

Barbara Marian McMurry Ridenhour enjoyed a full life and 90 years of excellent health. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on November 11, 2015.

Barbara was born March 16, 1925 to William Hugh and Muriel (Guerin) McMurry in Bellingham, WA. The youngest of six children, she grew up living on the Mack Road in Everson, WA, the same farm she spent her final days on. She graduated from Mount Baker High School in 1943 as Valedictorian of her class. While in high school, she met the love of her life, William E. (Bill) Ridenhour. Although she had aspirations to attend Washington State University to become a dietician, she and Bill were married June 17, 1943. Bill immediately left to serve in World War ll, and Barb worked a variety of jobs waiting for his discharge from the Navy.

Barbara’s first and foremost calling in life was to be a wife and mother. In the early years of their marriage, Barb and Bill offered their love and home to many of their nieces and nephews. They played a big part in helping to raise them. Quite a few years later, their two daughters were born. She worked in a variety of jobs once her girls were older, and thoroughly enjoyed her many years spent as a drapery seamstress at Fashion Draperies in Bellingham, WA. She was a talented cook, baker, seamstress, crocheter, knitter, gardener and was well known for her bountiful vegetable garden and raising beautiful dahlias. She enjoyed family time spent camping, fishing, boating and hosting celebrations in her yard and home. She was intelligent, selfless, loving, generous and very strong willed.

Barbara will be greatly missed by her two daughters Barbara Jean and Lisa; grandson Travis; great grandsons Zackery and Tristan; goddaughter Barbara Carter; very close and special niece Marge Almy; dear friend Jan Porter and many other nieces, nephews and extended family whom she loved with all of her heart.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2015 at Rome Community Bible Church, 2720 Mount Baker Highway, Bellingham, WA. A private family burial at Hopewell Cemetery will be at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Tim McMurry and Kathryn Hanowell for your endless love and support as well as Hospice and our special team: Carren, Leigh, Cheryl and Sheila. Memorials may be made to Whatcom Hospice.