Ruth E Ridgely

Ruth Duncan Ridgley (formerly Ruth Ellen Motes ), 61, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loved ones at 1pm on Friday May 31st in Orlando, FL. Ruth was born on February 14, 1963 to Flora Jane & Robert Duncan of Marion, NC. She was the eldest to her sisters Susan and Karen. The family lived there for several year and then relocated to Orlando, FL. Ruth had a caring and fiery soul. There was never a dull moment with Ruth, you never knew what she would say or do next. Ruth attended Evan’s High School where she excelled in Tennis, even earning a scholarship for it. Soon after high school she had 3 sons with her former husband Jimmy Motes. She stayed home raising her boys for several years. Her passion was teaching, so she attended UCF where she earned her degree in Education. Ruth was a devoted educator for over 20 years. She taught at Michigan Avenue Elementary School, teaching first & second grade. Ruth was better known as “Ms. Motes” in the classroom. She loved her students, was often very close to her kids & their parents. She treated them like family and remained close with many for years. She also developed lifelong friendships with fellow educators at the school. Whether in the classroom with her kids or on teacher planning day with fellow teachers, she would always have a smile and her laughter was contagious. Ruth was always fun to be around and she loved to have a good time. You could find her cheering on her FSU Seminoles on Saturdays, going to a Country music concert or watching tennis. In 2017, she found her true love when she reconnected with her high school friend. Soon after, Ruth & Clark were married on March 28, 2018 in Las Vegas. Ruth would often tell Clark weekly that he did not read the warning label! Clark gave her a wonderful life and she made Clark so incredibly full of Joy. Ruth retired from the classroom in 2019, which gave her more time to spend traveling with her husband, playing with her grandchildren and bible study. In 2023, Ruth was so proud to help her grandson Tyler complete his studies as he prepared to join the Navy. She is survived by her loving husband Clark Ridgley; beloved mother to her son Robbie Motes & his wife Sabrina Motes, son Ricky Motes; grand children Tyler Motes, Jules Motes, Shaw Motes, Hudson Motes; two sisters, Susan Duncan & Karen Duncan. Preceded in death by her mother Flora Jane, her father Robert Duncan and her son Randy Motes. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday July 14th, 2024 beginning at 1pm. We welcome her friends & family to join us at Gentry Pines 4786 Gentry Pines Lane St. Cloud, FL 34772.

Ruth E Ridgely

February 14, 1963 - May 31, 2024