Elmer Eugene (Gene) Ridgeway

Elmer Eugene (Gene) Ridgway, age 89, passed away peacefully in Prineville on February 8th, 2024. He was looking forward to seeing his Lord.  Gene was born October 6, 1934 to Elmer and Clara (Morton) Ridgway in Preston, OK.  As a young boy, Gene and his family moved to Porterville, California, working on various farms.  Gene graduated from Porterville High School in 1954 and enlisted in the Air Force that fall.  He served his country for 6 years and was assigned to the Sentry Dog Section in Guam.  He received high recommendations for his dog training ability.  He also served in the Korean War, stationed in Okinawa.  In 1962, Gene married Margaret Skinner Moore.  The two of them settled in Woodlake, California and owned several businesses, including a restaurant and a flower shop.  Gene eventually was employed by Tulare County Sheriff’s department as a lake supervisor.  In 2001 Gene and Marge moved to Prineville, Oregon to be near family.  Gene enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening and camping.  He was a very social guy and loved visiting with friends and neighbors and loved meeting his “coffee group” each Tuesday.  He greatly valued those friendships.  Gene is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Darrell, sister Ann, brother Jerry, and his wife Margaret in 2015.  He is survived by his daughters Bonnie Rogers and Connie Tanner of Prineville, Christie Limon of California and Brenda Amyx of Porterville, CA, 7 grandchildren, and numerous great and even great-great grandchildren.  Graveside services will be held Friday, February 16th, 2024 , 10 AM at Juniper Haven Cemetery in Prineville.

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