Lori Ridenour

Lori Lynn Ridenour, 70, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away with her family by her side on August 10, 2024, after a long battle with gall bladder cancer. She ultimately beat the cancer, but the fight ravaged her body to the point where it could not recover. Even after her body betrayed her, there was no surrender in her mind or her spirit.

Lori was born on March 5, 1954, in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating from Walter F. George High School, she met the love of her life, Ronald Ridenour, and went on to build a beautiful life together full of love, adventure, and joy. They were married on July 20, 1974. It was important to Lori after her diagnosis last year, that she be able to celebrate their 50th anniversary, which she accomplished. During their marriage, they spent as much time as they could doing their favorite thing together: traveling. They loved seeing new sights and the freedom of taking off in their camper to wherever they could think of.

Lori and Ron went on to have three children, Caryn, Jason, and Kylie. As for Lori’s career, she was a full-time mom, and it truly was her calling. The love she had for her family was beyond compare, unwavering, and genuinely selfless. She was the glue of the family and would stop at nothing to keep everyone together.

Lori had an unforgettable joy for life. She was such a bright light that never faded, even through the toughest times. She held strong, stayed positive, and always kept a smile on her face. She will forever be an example of strength, compassion, and grace. She had said for a long time now that she wasn’t afraid to die, but she didn’t want to leave her husband and her family. She will be immensely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Lori was preceded in death by her mom, Martha McMillan, her dad, Red McMillan, her mother-in-law, Winnie Ridenour, and her father-in-law, Hunk Ridenour.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Ridenour, 77; her children and their significant others, Caryn Ridenour, 45, and Steve McKinney, 52; Jason Ridenour, 43, and April Ridenour, 37; Kylie Ridenour, 31, and Scott Corley, 37; her grandchildren, Patrick, 20, Carter, 12, Alayna, 9, Chase, 9, Brecklyn, 7, and Elijah, 5; her brothers Mike, 63, and Keith, 58; her Aunt Patsy, 84, and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Services are as follows:

• Friday 8/16/24 – Visitation from 5:00PM – 8:00PM at McDonald and Sons Funeral Home located at 150 Sawnee Dr. in Cumming, GA.

• Saturday 8/17/24 – Celebration of Life from 2:00PM – 10:00PM and Lori and Ron’s residence.

• Sunday 8/18/24 – Visitation from 10:00AM – 1:00PM, with service to follow at 1:00PM at McDonald and Sons Funeral Home located at 150 Sawnee Dr. in Cumming, GA.

• Monday 8/19/24 – Graveside service and burial at 1:00PM at the Georgia National Cemetery located at 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr. in Canton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking you to donate to the American Cancer Society in her name.