Joe Ridgway (abt. 1923 - 2010)

Born about 7 Sep 1923 in Oberlin, Kansas

Descendants

Died 17 Dec 2010 at about age 87 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California

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Biography

Obituary

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Dr. Joe Ridgway. Joe passed away on December 16th at USC Medical Center in Los Angeles of complications from back surgery. He was 87. Born in Oberlin Kansas on September 7, 1923 to Wes and Flora Ridgway, Joe was the youngest of nine children. Albeit small in stature, Joe excelled athletically against kids much bigger than he. Joe obtained his degree in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University, graduating May of 1945. There he played varsity basketball for the Wildcats and was their captain for the 1944-45 season, his senior year. At K-State he met the love of his life, Jean Grossnickle, who worked in the military department at the school. Theirs was a whirlwind romance, they met in June and were married on September 16, 1944. After graduation, the newlyweds went off to California where Joe was offered a veterinary job in Alta Dena for $250…a month! Later while passing through Ventura on the way to Santa Barbara for a job interview, they fell in love with the city and its people. Joe established Ventura Veterinary Hospital and become the second veterinarian in Ventura. He continued to expand and improve his practice, eventually retiring in 1986. The hospital continues to thrive to this day. On January 24, 1950 Joe and Jean welcomed their first son, Vincent Jay. Vince grew up to be an outstanding sportsman, following his father's footsteps in basketball and later as an avid fisherman and boat captain. Later they welcomed their adopted 2nd son Robert Glenn on March 3, 1955 who became Joe's soul mate on the golf course and a successful Realtor in Ventura. Joe is survived by his wife Jean of 66 years, sons Vince and Bob (wife Gwen and daughter Jennifer), sisters-in-law Elna Ridgway and Maxine Ridgway plus many nieces and nephews. Joe was the last surviving member of his eight brothers and sisters. Joe is also survived by several of Jean's family including Glen "Grossie" Grossnickle, John and Elvina Grossnickle, Ron and Loralea Grossnickle and Tom and Shirley Grossnickle.^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ CHARLES CARROLL FUNERAL HOME - Ventura, California

• Ray Domanski Family Tree