In Memory
Mildred B. (Blaskie) Ridley
Jan. 24, 1915 - Feb. 29, 2012
MISHAWAKA - Mildred B. Ridley, 97, passed away on Wednesday, February 29, in the Milton Home, South Bend. Mildred was born on January 24, 1915, in Ege, IN. Preceding her in death were her father, Frank Joseph Blaskie, deceased December 18, 1968, her mother, Antoneia J. Tomshock Blaskie Daniels, deceased February 21, 1981, her brother, Louis "Bud" Blaskie, deceased August 19, 1968, and her husband, Nihl Ridley.
Mildred and her family moved to South Bend in approximately 1920 and lived her entire life in the South Bend area, with the exception of a few months in Michigan shortly after her marriage to Nihl Ridley on October 1, 1938. Her first job as a teenager was at the Robertson's Department Store, then to Wilson Brothers Shirt Factory, where she became manager. Mildred and Nihl then began training in the floral business and were owners and operators of Sunnyview Florist on Francis Street, South Bend.
She was a graduate of Riley High School and took many classes at the South Bend College of Commerce.
She had a wonderful wit and charm, and loved fashion, travel with her husband, playing cards, cooking, and trying new recipes and gardening. Her favorite songs were "Old Rugged Cross" and "Laura's Song." She was extremely active with the Elks Club Ladies Association and held many offices there. She retired as an estimator and bookkeeper for Kitchen and Bath, Mishawaka, IN.
Mildred previously resided on McKinley Avenue, South Bend, The Waterford in Mishawaka, IN, and the Milton Home, South Bend. Mildred truly enjoyed her stay at the Milton Home...Troy for the occasional visit over coffee, Gloria for her smile and gentle way, the thoughtful and kind ways of the entire caring staff. Her dear friend, Dot, at the Milton, who could always be counted on for a visit and "girl talk." She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, South Bend, where she and her husband were very active in previous years. She had many wonderful accounts to tell about the years she and her husband shared at the church. Mildred loved receiving the weekly Church Newsletter, and looked forward to hearing the message. This was a highlight of her day.
Services will be at Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka, on Friday, March 2, at 10:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior, with Rev. Dr. Adelia Kelso officiating. Interment will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church or to Harbor Light Hospice. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.
Published by South Bend Tribune on Mar. 1, 2012.
07/27/2023 EJS
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