Willard Dale Ridinger's Obituary
RIDINGER, Willard Dale, age 93, of Waynesville, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022.
Dale graduated from Waynesville High School, class of '47. He worked as a machine operator for NCR and Ford. He retired in 2013, from CB Manufacturing, after 20 years of service. He was incredibly proud of being a machine operator and could easily hold his position by himself, even well into his 80s. He was extremely strong and had accuracy at his job of one one-thousandth. He was a farmer at heart. He was very appreciative of having the liberty to farm and help others. He enjoyed International Tractors so much that he collected toys and full-size versions. His strength also came to use on the farm, where he could throw hay bales to the top of the barn with just one arm.
As an easy-going, peace-loving, respectful, and kind gentleman, he was the best person you could have in your life. He was extremely caring, giving, and gentle to everyone that crossed paths with him. He loved watching The Ohio State University Buckeyes and Bengals play football. He also enjoyed watching wrestling and westerns, especially "Gunsmoke" and "Rawhide." He loved learning new things and learned the skill of counting at the Casinos. This made him look forward to going to casinos and gambling; he was extremely lucky at the slots. He enjoyed it so much that it became a tradition that the family would go to Scioto Downs Casino in Columbus each Christmas. They would make a day of it, grab lunch, and create memories that the family will always cherish.
He was preceded in death by his former wives, Mary Martha Ridinger and Floretta Ridinger; his son, Richard Ridinger; his parents, Carl and Harriet Ridinger; and one brother, Joe Ridinger. He is survived by his significant other of 15 years, Linda Stahl; one daughter, Harriet Ridinger; one grandson, Travis (Leticia) Ridinger; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Breanna Ridinger; one sister, Sara Ellis; special nephew, Brent Morgan; extended family, Sherry (Gary) Hartzell, Stephanie (Greg) Rudasill, and Cody McConnaughey; and many nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be Wednesday, November 30, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Life celebrant Katie Mackoway will be officiating. Burial will be at Miami Valley Memorial Gardens in Centerville. If desired, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.
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