Wendell Ray Ridenour
November 1, 1942 – April 30, 2024

Wendell "Ray" Ridenour, 82, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, doing what he loved.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Ellen (Constant) Ridenour. Together, they raised four children who continue to live nearby: Jeanette (Robert) Lievore, Brian (Lisa) Ridenour, Kelly (Jeff) Crocker, and Stephen Ridenour (Angie Maddox). Ray was a loving grandfather to many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Wayne (Velma) Ridenour and John (Lynn) Ridenour, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Vera Ridenour, and his sister, Carol (Ridenour) Goldy.

Ray and Ellen opened their hearts and home to many throughout their lives. They sponsored several refugees who came to call them "Mom and Dad," forming bonds that lasted a lifetime. They also served as mentors and parent figures to numerous teens in need of guidance, teaching them discipline, resilience, and essential life skills.

Ray joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17 and proudly served for five years, including three years stationed in Germany as a post engineer during the Cold War. He also had the distinct honor of serving in President John F. Kennedy's Guard of Honor during his inauguration.
A master electrician and entrepreneur, Ray founded Bristol Electric, a business he ran successfully for over 50 years. He and Ellen enjoyed traveling extensively, living in Oregon, Virginia, and eventually returning to Elkhart, Indiana. In later years, they spent winters in Florida. Ray had a gift for making friends wherever he went.

An avid aviation enthusiast, Ray was a longtime member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), regularly attending meetings in Nappanee and Goshen. He occasionally flew with the Young Eagles program, helping to inspire the next generation of pilots. One of his proudest achievements was building and flying his own airplane.

Ray passed away while doing what he loved most and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in Ray's memory.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN, or shared online at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.

Just one lifetime.
Won't be enough for us.
In memory of a pilot so dear,
Whose legacy will forever steer,
Just one lifetime won't be enough for us,
To cherish the memories, the love, the trust.
A life well lived with rewards untold,
Family and friends, a treasure to behold,
Traveled the world with his loving wife,
For 64 years, together in flight.
Built an airplane from scratch, a labor of love,
With his kids and grandkids, learning his skill.
In President Kennedy's Guard Of Honor he stood,
A testament to his service, noble and good.
Rode a Moped to Oregon and back,
Adventures aplenty, never did lack,
Flew to Mount McKinley, Alaska's grand peak.
In the skies, his spirit did seek.
As we all know, he loved to fly,
Through The clouds reaching for the sky.
In every journey, in every flight.
His passion soared a beacon bright.
So let us remember this pilot so true,
Whose wings now carry him to the blue,
Just one lifetime won't be enough for us,
To honor his legacy, his spirit, his trust.