Ray L. Becker
Ray L. Becker, 92, of Coldwater, a frequent visitor to Anna Maria Island, died Sept. 11 in Hillsdale. He was born Sept. 13, 1919, to Dr. Jedidiah and Dessie (Zimmerman) Becker in Angola, Ind.
Mr. Becker graduated from Angola High School and went on to Manchester College where he became a dental technician.
Mr. Becker owned and operated Tri-State Dental lab in Coldwater for 40 years. He loved his grandchildren and his church. He enjoyed wintering in Florida for many years and watching his beloved Detroit Tigers.
A service and visitation was held Sept. 13 in Coldwater. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater. Arrangements were by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Ray is survived by his son Dr. David and wife Kim of Coldwater; granddaughters Christina, Stephanie and Jennifer.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dessalines (Haiti) Eye/Dental clinic currently being established, in care of Coldwater Free Methodist Church. For information, visit www.dutcherfh.com.
Paul H. Ridgdill
Paul H. Ridgdill, 93, of Bradenton, died Sept. 10. He was born Sept. 29, 1917, in Mulberry, Fla., to the late Peter H. and Mildred (Alderman) Ridgdill and moved with his family to Bradenton at the age of 2.
Mr. Ridgdill served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and was the former owner of Ridgdill Plumbing in Bradenton for more than 30 years. He served on the Bradenton City Council from 1976-86, and also served as vice-mayor of the city for several of those years. He was a member of the Bradenton Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, Florida Plumbers Association and the First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton, where he served as a deacon.
He spent his retirement years with wife Mary on Anna Maria Island enjoying countless hours with his daughters and their children.
The family received friends Sept. 16 at Shannon Funeral Home Westview Chapel, 5610 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. A celebration of life was held Sept. 17 at First Presbyterian Church, 1402 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton. Private inurnment will be at a later date at Fogartyville Cemetery in Bradenton. Memorial donations may be made to either the South Florida Museum or First Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.
Mr. Ridgdill is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Armstrong; daughters Rosemary and Ron Carlson of Bradenton, Patty and Dave Hall of Palmetto, Sandy and David Livingston of Ellenton, and Barbara and Dave Bjorklund of Jupiter; brother Frank and wife Jill of Tampa; sister Jeanne Fenton of Bradenton; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.