Janet E. Ridge

Janet E. Ridge, a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and cherished friend, peacefully passed away on May 27, 2026, in her St. Peters, Missouri home, surrounded by the deep love of her family. Born on November 27, 1946, in Bismarck, Missouri, Janet’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with devotion, strength, and heartfelt connections.

A proud graduate of McKinley High School in St. Louis in June of 1964, Janet embarked on a life journey marked by hard work, fierce determination, and an extraordinary capacity for love. Her long career in senior care, where she diligently ensured the sanitation and well-being of the facility, reflected not only her dedication to her work but her caring heart that touched many lives.

Janet’s most treasured accomplishment was her marriage to her beloved husband, Gerald Ridge. Their union began just after high school in July of 1964, a bond that would span over 62 remarkable years. Their wedding was a moment of tender beauty—Gerald came home on military leave for three brief days to marry Janet in a beautiful church ceremony before returning to duty. Their lifelong partnership was one of deep friendship and unwavering loyalty; everywhere Gerald went, Janet was by his side, their companionship a shining example of love and commitment.

Family was at the very center of Janet’s world. She adored spending time with her children, Donna (Calvin) Peacock and Brian (Lori) Ridge, and was a proud grandmother to Jennifer (Jeffrey) Nichols, Brittany (Rafe) Healy, Tyler Peacock, Andrew (Destiny) Peacock, Kaitlyn (Alex Galwith) Hall, Zachary Peacock, Alexandra Ridge, Jessica (Josh) Finke, Connor Ridge, and Quintin Ridge. Her joy extended to her great-grandchildren—Tessa, Trynton, Olivia, Leighton, Avelaine, Jacoby, Esmeralda, Skylar, Kyler, Declan, Freyja, Athena, Oliver, Sydney, and Brynley—each a light in her life. She also cherished her sisters Millie (Bobby) Lutes and Verna Meador, along with her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wider circle of beloved family and friends.

Janet was a woman of many layers: loving and strong-willed, intelligent and feisty, sassy and straightforward. She was known for always telling you the truth, even when it might sting, but she held the biggest heart anyone could know—always ready to go to great lengths to make things right. Her home was her sanctuary, filled with warmth and laughter, and there she found happiness in the company of her family and her faithful dog, Molly.

Among Janet’s simple joys were playing on her laptop and watching her favorite television shows. She found comfort in binge-watching staples like The Young and the Restless, Matlock, and The Price is Right, moments of relaxing reprieve amid a life spent caring deeply for others.

Janet’s parents, Howard and Hazel Marler, along with her siblings Ruby Lawson, Carl Marler, Harold Marler, Norma Jean Wilson, Delores Brown, and Shirley Marler, preceded her in death. They rest now with the knowledge of the immense legacy of love Janet leaves behind.

Her passing leaves a quiet space in the hearts of all who knew her—a space filled with memories of family dinners full of laughter and love, the steadfast companionship of a marriage that inspired, and the gentle strength of a woman who gave so freely of herself. Janet E. Ridge’s life was a testament to love lived fiercely and fully, and she will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to know her.