Emma Jean "Jeanie" Ridings

Emma Jean "Jeanie" Ridings, 81, of Germantown Hills, IL passed away at 4:33 am on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. She was born on December 11, 1935 in Alto Pass, IL to David and Dorothy (Dunham) Hale. She married Carl P. Ridings on November 1, 1952 in Spring Bay, IL. They were married 64 years. She always had "Poppy" by her side, as he was her protector and someone she dearly loved. He survives. Also surviving are her daughter Linda (Gary) Doerr of East Peoria, IL; granddaughters Tara (Mike) Hamerlinck and Tonya (Bo) Jones both of Metamora, IL; great-grandchildren Colton, Emma, Brock, and Evan Jones; brother David (Clara) Hale of Washington; and many nieces and nephews. Jeanie was one of the founding members of Bayview Baptist Church in Washington, IL. Her love for Christ and her church were a big part of her life. She once was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, and sang in different quartets. She was known for the best coconut cream pies and chicken and dumplings. She worked many different kinds of jobs. First at Durst's Dairy Store, cooked at Germantown Hills Grade School, Fleming and Potter, Metamora Wood Working, took care of special needs patient in a nursing home, and her last job was the two antique stores in Metamora that they had for many years. After retiring her and Carl traveled all over, either in a trailer or motorhome. She had so much love to give from her little heart. She loved gatherings with the grandchildren. She always said they were growing up too fast and wanted them as babies again. She could never pass holding a baby. So much love was bestowed upon Linda since she was an only child. There will be an emptiness in our family without her. But knowing where she is, what she is doing, and whom she is with brings a smile and a reason to rejoice. So good-bye for now as we will see you later on. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Bayview Baptist Church in Washington, IL with Reverend Keith Thibo officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until service time on Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Spring Bay Cemetery in Spring Bay, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Bayview Baptist Church, 22648 Grosenbach Road, Washington, IL 61571. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.