Phyllis Jean (Stewart) Ridenhower

Phyllis Jean Ridenhower, 75, of Sorento, formerly of Litchfield, passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024.  

Born on February 12, 1949 in Litchfield, IL., A daughter of Paul James and Frances LaVonne (Hurst) Stewart, Sr.  She was a graduate of Litchfield Community High School, Class of 1967. Her first marriage was to Gary Frank, Sr. Together they had four children, and that later ended in divorce. She then married John “J.R.” M. Ridenhower on May 12, 1981 in Litchfield.  J.R. passed away January 1, 2010. She loved music and dancing and traveled with J.R. in the various bands that he played in and became a sound and light board operator.  She held a Commercial Driver’s License for several years and drove over the road for many of those years.  She was a great cook and made the best lasagna and baked spaghetti. She loved to read and writing and wrote three books, but they weren’t published.   She loved having a good ole time and being with her family was important to her. 

Phyllis is survived by two sons; Gary (fiancé Tanya Roberts) Frank of Maryville, IL., and Jimmy Frank of Litchfield.  Two daughters; Angela (fiancé Jim Roberson) Frank of New Douglas, IL., and Sherry Willette of Sorento, IL. Two brothers, Paul (Lori) Stewart, Jr., of Hillsboro and George Stewart of Litchfield.  She also leaves a sister, Pauline (Bill) Webb of Moberly, MO.   She also leaves several grand and great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, J.R., Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents. 

A service of remembrance and celebration of Phyllis’ life will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at the Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Interment will be in the Crabtree Cemetery.  The family will receive family and friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday.

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