Ridinger, Sandra Sarer

Sandra Sarver Ridinger, 82, died Sunday, November 19, 2023, in her home, peacefully in her sleep. This would not have been possible without the amazing care she received from her team of dedicated caregivers.

Sandra was preceded in death by her husband Nelson Ridinger; parents James and Lucy Mae Sarver; step-daughters Linda (Jody) Smith and Anne (Joe) Maroon.

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Leslie Mitchell; son, Jay (Brenda) Foster; step-daughter Jane
Ridinger, sisters Betsy Rittenhouse, Jenny Wise and Jane Collins; grandsons Dustin Clifford, Adam Smith, Jordan Maroon, Greg Smith, Garrett Maroon, Ryan Mitchell; granddaughters Alex Foster, Brooke Mitchell, Brittany Foster, Sarah Mitchell; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Sandra was beautiful in so many ways. She was both Homecoming Queen and May Queen at CHS high school. After attending Radford College, she pursued her lifelong vocation of building strong relationships with family and friends. Her real beauty shined within. She loved the holidays, especially cooking big meals that brought her blended family together. She had an amazing memory and enjoyed sending cards to celebrate special occasions.

She also had a love for God that was reflected in her commitment to the St. Paul community over the years, from teaching Sunday School to participating in Bible Study Fellowship.

Sandra loved to have fun. From watching VT Football to playing doubles tennis to playing bridge and Pictionary, she loved to be on a team and celebrate (sometimes loudly) getting the lead. Sandra also enjoyed many great trips with Nelson over their 36 Years of marriage. She was known for her creative range of facial expressions and hand motions that could get even the grumpiest baby to break into a belly laugh.

Parkinsons tried to slow Sandra down. It wasn’t easy. Her self-determination over the past 20 years of fighting that disease was truly inspirational. Regardless of the struggles, Sandra remained positive and focused on celebrating family and friends.

Visitation will be at Horne Funeral Home from 5PM to 7PM on Tuesday, December 26th with Memorial services at St. Paul United Methodist at 11AM on December 27th. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to give.michaeljfox.org for Parkinson’s Research at P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741