Ellis County Obituaries

Aubery Burl Ridenour

1 Nov 1928 - 30 Jan 2014

© Woodward News (OK)
January 31, 2014
Submitted by: Jo Aguirre

Woodward, Okla. — Aubery Burl Ridenour was born on November 1, 1928 to Wayland and Marie Ridenour of Chaney, Oklahoma - the first of four children. He was promoted to Glory on January 30, 2014.

Natives of Northwestern Oklahoma, the Wayland Ridenour family called Tangier, Oklahoma, home except for a brief move to Washington State. Aubery attended and graduated from Tangier High School in 1948. A hardworking, reliable and responsible young man, he worked the family farm and various other jobs to help support his family. Yet, despite all the responsibility he had, he did find time to play high school basketball and attend a few school functions, the most important being Seniors Day at Boiling Springs . It was here that Aubery first saw and rescued Juanita Maddux from being "dunked" in the pool by a bunch of boys. And thus a romance began. That same year Aubery also attended a revival meeting with Juanita and his two sisters at the First Baptist Church in Mooreland, and it was there that he received Christ at the age of 17. He and Juanita were soon married in Higgins, Texas on June 2, 1948, and to this union three children, Terry, Sherry and Stephen were added. Aubery found a career in the supermarket industry and began his training at the Adams Brothers grocery store in Woodward. He excelled at all levels, was promoted and assigned to various stores, and soon became Manager. Aubery was eventually transferred from Pampa, Texas, to Shattuck, where he was the manager for Ideal Foods for many years. Aubery and Juanita then opened their own place - A & J Discount Foods - and operated it for 14 years.

Aubery was a much-loved and respected member of the Shattuck community. He was a friend to everyone and sought to help anyone who was in need. He and Juanita were proud supporters of the Shattuck High School and any community activities that were held. Aubery was also an active member of the Windmill Museum and served as a deacon for the First Baptist Church of Shattuck, where they attended until prevented by illness. Aubery loved people and served his community well, so well in fact that Mayor Fred Jordan of Shattuck passed Proclamation 843 stating that "July 12, 2008 will forever be known as Aubery and Juanita Ridenour Day." The award was made on their 60th wedding anniversary.

Aubery was born and raised on a farm. He loved his farm, cattle and horses and worked hard to maintain it as a symbol of pride for his family. More importantly, however, was his deep love for Juanita and family. He had carried a picture of Juanita in his wallet for 64 years! It was this commitment to her throughout their 64 years of marriage that has left a strong legacy to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Aubery is preceded in death by his parents Wayland and Marie and his brother Marvin. He is survived by his two sisters, Rena Charmasson of Woodward, OK, and Velma Glenny of Humansville, MO. Remaining in the home is his wife Juanita Ridenour, his son Terry and wife Jean of Memphis, TN, his daughter Sherry Jordan and husband Geoff of Oklahoma City, and his son Stephen and wife Linda of Shattuck. Aubery has 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

We, the family, want to express our deepest appreciation for the love and support we have received through Dr. Stewart, Dr. Mullins, and the staff of the Newman Memorial Hospital. We are also thankful for God's special gift to us of the Faith Hospice Team: Kerri, Tina, Nathan, John and Cindy. We are so thankful for their compassion, love and excellent care. Special thanks to Pastor Kenny Platt of First Baptist Church, Shattuck. The family asks that any monetary memorial gifts for Aubery be sent to the Shattuck Windmill Museum.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 3, 2014 a t 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Shattuck, OK with Pastor Kenneth Platte officiating. Interment will be in the Shattuck Memorial Cemetery with the Mason Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.