Phyllis Ridge

11/2/1944 - 9/14/2024

Phyllis Ridge, 79, of Louisville, KY, passed away on September 14, 2024 surrounded by her family.  

A Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 21, 2024 in the chapel at Little Sisters of the Poor, 15 Audubon Plaza Dr., Louisville, KY 40217.  Visitation will be held just prior to the mass from 9am - 11am.

Phyllis was born on November 2, 1944 in Glasgow, Scotland, to the late Neville Hedger and Mary Coghill.  She was later adopted by her Aunt, Gladys Newfield and her husband, John.  

Phyllis attended Our Lady of Lourdes and was a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy class of 1962.

As a teenager and young adult, Phyllis taught music lessons at Central Music.

Phyllis was a member of American Turners of Louisville in the 70’s and 80’s where she was heavily involved in her children's athletic interests of swimming, diving and gymnastics.  During her son’s years with the Louisville Youth Orchestra, Phyllis served as the sheet music librarian. 

She enjoyed 30 years as a special education teacher at The Cerebral Palsy School/Mattingly Center.  During that time she also coached gymnastics for Special Olympics of KY with athletes qualifying for the Special Olympics International Games.  

In retirement Phyllis enjoyed 10 years of singing with the “Mellow Dears”, a group of ladies who loved entertaining at nursing homes and special needs homes to bring joy and fun to the residents.  

Phyllis loved all types of music, the arts, broadway musicals, painting and travel with friends and family.  Her favorite hobby was shopping in thrift stores, antique malls and auctions to find all her cherished trinkets.  Phyllis could always be found in the afternoon’s playing cards with her dear friends at Little Sisters of the Poor where she lived for the past 11 years.  

She is survived by her children, Stephen Ridge (Angela), Laura Webb (Glenn), Amy Reed (Charles); her grandchildren, Turner Reed, Charlsea Clayton (Justin), Aaron Webb, Michael Ridge (Katie), Ivy Webb and great-grandchildren, Emerald Clayton and Atlas Clayton.  

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Little Sisters of the Poor, the KY Hemophilia Foundation or Special Olympics of KY, in Phyllis’ memory.