Obituary of Gretchen F. Ridler

Gretchen Foltz Ridler passed away on Monday, December 30, 2019 at Northgate Health Care Facility, North Tonawanda, NY under the care of Niagara Hospice. She was born in Lockport on April 2, 1924 and was the daughter of the late F. Ralph Foltz and Thecla Smith Foltz. She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Charles G. Ridler on April 27, 2019. She was also predeceased her five siblings, Ray Foltz, Betty Ernest, William Foltz, Robert Foltz and Thecla Richards. Gretchen graduated from Lockport High School in 1942 and was employed for 10 years at Harrison Radiator Division of General Motors. She met her husband Charles at the Harrison picnic in 1950 and they married the following year. Together they enjoyed an active life, playing tennis, golf, and bridge together and with their many friends. They enjoyed travel and visited all 50 states and many places in Europe. Gretchen was an active member of St. John the Baptist Church in Lockport, where she served as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, taught religious education and was a member of the funeral ministry team for many years. She was also a volunteer with meals on wheels for over forty years, a member of the Lockport Memorial Hospital Guild and worked on Red Cross Blood drives. Gretchen was devoted to her husband and family. She was very involved with her children's school and sports activities as they were growing up, and likewise participated in the lives of her grandchildren as they grew to adults. She is survived by her son, Keith (Gregory Randall) of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, James (Joan) of Langhorne, Pennsylvania; her daughters, Ann (Frederick) Strong of Lockport, and Mary (John "Jay") McIntosh of Lockport. She is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jennifer Diel, Shannon (Drew) Maines, Frederick (Chassity) Strong , Brianne Strong, William Ridler, Brandon Ridler, Bridget Ridler, Sarah Ridler, Mallory (Peter) McIntosh Frischholz and John E. "Jed" McIntosh. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Lilianna David and Carter Strong, and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be Thursday, January 2, 2020 from 3:00-7:00 PM at Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 3, at 11:30 AM at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 168 Chestnut Street, Lockport. Memorial donations to the charity of one's choice would be appreciated. Online condolences at pruddenandkandt.com.