Funeral services for Caroline Ridgeway, 81, of What Cheer will begin at 10:00 AM on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in What Cheer.  The burial will be held in the Highland Cemetery in What Cheer.  Following graveside services, a luncheon will be held at the Hilltop Chapel.  A visitation will be held at Holland-Coble Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with family present.  Memorials may be directed to the family in Carol's name.

Caroline was born in What Cheer, Iowa on December 9, 1942, the daughter of Kenneth and Jessie Kelley Ridgeway.  The family was living in Rock Island, Illinois at the time and a few years later moved to What Cheer, Iowa to begin farming.  Carol worked at the local Dairy King during high school before joining her father providing electrical and plumbing services.  In 1963 the family opened Ridgeway Hardware where Carol worked alongside Kenneth on electrical and plumbing jobs as well as part-time operating the store with Jessie and Kenneth.  When she and Kenneth retired from performing electrical and plumbing services, she continued to operate the store with her parents and then solely until selling the business in 2019.  Over the years Carol was active in the community participating in the Commercial Club, Keokuk County Fair Board, Opera House Committee, and church activities.  She enjoyed keeping in touch with many families in the community as their children grew to adulthood, sending greeting cards, and sharing casseroles and baked goods.   Carol was a member of the Hilltop Chapel and a former member of the Pythian Sisters.

Carol is preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by three siblings:  Leonard (Pat) Ridgeway of What Cheer, Donald (Linda) Ridgeway of San Diego, CA, and Doris (Michael) Perry of West Des Moines as well as five nephews, one niece, great nephews, great nieces, and special friend, Marvin Christner.