David Ridenour

David C. Ridenour passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, with his chldren by his side. He was born June 13, 1934, in Lansing to Richard S. and Mary Kathryn (Sias) Ridenour. David grew up in the Lansing area, attending Sexton High School where he was a member of the varsity track team. After graduating in 1952, he continued his education at the Ferris Institute in Big Rapids and at Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo. On June 18th, 1954, he married Margy Ann Hylkema. They made their home in the Kalamazoo area for many years where David was a mail carrier for the USPS and later, he owned a painting contracting business. He moved his family to Big Rapids in 1970. In 1972, Margy & Dave opened The Back Room Decorating Center in downtown Big Rapids, serving the community for 40 years. One of his greatest passions was thoroughbred horse racing. He attended the Kentucky Derby every year for over 30 years. To his great delight, his children presented him with shares in two racehorses for his birthday last year. He was thrilled when one of his horses won his debut race this past January. Survivors include David's five children, Bryan (Beth) Ridenour and Mary Kay (Mark) MacIver of Big Rapids, Bruce (Carolyn) Ridenour of Danbury, CT, Jennifer (Nick) Yanick of Kent, CT; and Matt (Nicole) Ridenour of Ypsilanti, as well as his special "adopted" son, Guy VanSyckle of Big Rapids; 3 brothers-in-law, George (Ceoli) Hylkema, Balboa Beach, CA, Bennett (Carol) Hylkema, Westland, MI, and Richard Becker of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren, whom he especially enjoyed, Becky, Andrew, Dillon, David, Evan and Liam; 3 great-grandchildren, Allison, Corbin, and Haelynn; several nieces and nephews; his "favorite" cousin, Donna Ballard of Virginia Beach, VA; and special friend, Barbara Larie of Hersey. David was preceded in death by his wife, Margy; his parents; sister, Patricia Lamoreaux; and two sisters-in-law, Pauline Becker and Florence Newton. There will be an open house to celebrate David's life at the Old Jail 220 S. Stewart in Big Rapids on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Donations in David's memory can be made to Spectrum Health Hospice, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Ridenour, please visit our flower store.