Lela Ridgeway, age 80, born July 12, 1933 in Biloxi, Miss., passed away July 3, 2014 at Lebanon Care Center, Lebanon, Ill.
Lela was born to Honora and Viola, nee Gaudet, Trahan in Biloxi, Miss., and she remained a lifelong resident of Biloxi until recently moving to Lebanon, Ill.

She is survived by her two daughters; Vicky (Robert) Cole of Fairview Heights, Ill. and Susan (Bradley) Margheim of Denton, Tex.; grandchildren Jimmy Emile and Desiree Cole; great-grandchildren, Jaden Emile, RJ Cole, Zoie Emile and Zachary Warren.


She is also survived by her siblings Gertrude Robicheaux, Lillian Jenkins, Leroy Trahan, Beatrice O'Meara, Sidney Trahan, and her extended Ridgeway family members and many beloved nieces and nephews.


She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, F. Dale Ridgeway, and brothers, Morris Trahan, Claude Trahan, Murphy Trahan, and Andrew Trahan.

Lela spent many years in the medical industry working for doctors on the Gulf Coast, and later became a successful business owner following the death of her husband, Dale, in 1980. She was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Biloxi.

Lela was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was extremely independent, strong willed and a true free spirit whom everyone loved. Her favorite hobbies were dancing and playing slots. She was an avid sports fan and was always willing to tackle a home improvement project.


A special thanks to Settlers Point staff in Ocean Springs, Miss. and Lebanon Care Center in Lebanon, Ill., for your special care and compassion.

A Memorial Service is pending and will be held in Biloxi, Miss.

Funeral service arrangements are provided by Wolfersberger Funeral Home in O'Fallon, Ill. and Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home in Biloxi, Miss.