Mary Ella Ridley

 Former Decatur resident Mary Ella Martin Ridley, age 85, died November 14,2008 of heart failure at the Stewart House in Carrollton, Georgia. The Carrollton native was born December 7, 1922 and attended Carrollton Public Schools. She graduated from her beloved University of Georgia and married her college sweetheart, John R. Ridley of Decatur in 1945. The couple settled in Decatur and lived there until Mr. Ridley's death in 2000. Mrs. Ridley moved back to Carrollton in 2004 and lived at the Stewart House until her death. Her siblings, Robert Martin and Howard Martin of Carrollton predeceased her. Mrs. Ridley was a dedicated elementary school teacher in the Atlanta Public Schools for almost fifty years. She and Mr. Ridley were active members of the Decatur Christian Church for much of their marriage, and she voluntarily provided fresh flowers for the chapel alter for several years. The Ridley’s lived next door to family in Decatur. Pierre and Caroline Ridley Howard, her sister-in-law, and their sons Pierre, Jr., Ridley and Dozier were an important part of her life. Known in the family as Aunt Mary Ella, she never missed a family event. She was a devoted wife to John, and they enjoyed UGA football, travel, and watching birds. They became good friends with bird painter, Athos Menaboni and his wife Sarah, and spent a lot of time feeding and watching birds. She is survived by her nieces, Caroline Beggs Newell and husband Terry of Amelia Island, Florida; Sally Germany and husband Robert of Carrollton, Anne Fazio and husband Tony of Carrollton, Mary Branyan and husband John of Athens, Bob Martin and wife Elaine of Carrollton and Jane Martin and husband George of Carrollton; sister-in-law Caroline Ridley (Mrs. Pierre) Howard of Decatur; nephew Pierre Howard, Jr. and wife Nancy B. Howard of Atlanta; nephew J. Ridley Howard and wife Pam C. Howard of Brookhaven; nephew Dozier R. Howard of Decatur; Dixie Beggs and wife Vickie of Marietta; great-nieces Caroline Hill Howard of Atlanta, Lindsey Howard of Decatur, Elizabeth Howard Newton of Atlanta; Emily Beggs of Marietta, great nephews Ridley Howard, Jr. of Brooklyn, NY; Christopher B. Howard of Atlanta; Dozier R Howard, Jr. of Decatur; William Newell of Atlanta and Margaret Newell of Boston, Massachusetts; and numerous great-great nephews and nieces. The graveside service will be held at the Decatur Cemetery on November 17 at such and such a time. A. S. Turner and Sons is in charge of arrangements. (404) 292-1551