Esther M. Ridenour

Esther M. Ridenour, 90 of Scottdale, passed away, Tuesday, January 7, 2025. She was born December 25, 1934 in Owensdale a daughter of the late Clarence and Ruth Ann (Ansell) Pletcher.

Esther was previously employed as a proofreader and in the binding department of The Independent Observer Newspaper. She was a graduate of Scottdale High School Class of 1952. A longtime and faithful member of the Owensdale Methodist Church, she served as pianist and choir director for over 60 years. She was the Sunday School Treasurer at the church and held various offices over the years. Esther also enjoyed the time she spent as a volunteer at Frick Hospital, Mt. Pleasant. She also enjoyed crafts and sewing.

She is survived by her two devoted daughters, Bambi Cook and her husband, Chuck and Bobbi Kapella and her husband, Stanley; seven grandchildren, Miranda Meyer (Justin), Lauren Bigley, Katie Alexander (Nathan), Sara Negri, Ryan Negri (Renee), Erin Negri (Jason Vies), Jacob Negri (Trish Bungard), seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Jonah, Max, Reid, Brynn, Dominic and Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Don” Ridenour on March 9, 2018, two brothers, infant Wayne and James Edward Pletcher and two sisters, Eva Nelle Ridenour and Lena Mae Hoover.

Family and friends are welcome at GRAFT-JACQUILLARD FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES, INC. 303 Pittsburgh St. Scottdale on Friday from 2 to 7 pm and on Saturday from 10:30 am until 11 am the hour of her funeral service with Pastor Shawn Robbins officiating.  Interment will follow in the Scottdale Cemetery. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Easy Living Estates and Bridges Hospice for their care and concern for Esther. If desired, memorials may be made to: the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Owensdale Methodist Church. Online condolences are welcome at www.gjfuneral.com