My Sweet Ben passed away on February 6th, 2013.
I wanted to share his beautiful obituary.
His sister Aspen wrote the body and I just added a few things.
He had the most beautiful funeral ever yesterday. It was such a peaceful day.
Ben was with me.
OBITUARY FOR BENJAMIN JOSEPH RIDGES
DECEMBER 12, 1980 - FEBRUARY 6, 2013
Our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and grandson, Ben Ridges, age
32, passed away on February 6, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. It
may have taken his body, but Ben's spirit was never taken. He amazed
and inspired us all with his patience, kindness and grace. We will
forever remember his example.
Ben was born to J. Rand and Marla Campbell Ridges on December 12th, 1980 in Bountiful, Utah. Ben was the second of four children, the only son, and the king of the castle. He was sealed to his beautiful sweetheart, Sara Jane Falkner Ridges, on November 27, 2002 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they moved several times before settling in Centerville, Utah.
Ben loved all things mechanical. He spent many hours with his dad working on engines and adding horsepower. He loved big tires, loud engines, and "showing us what this baby can do". Ben loved both the mountains of northern Utah and the red rock and sand of Southern Utah. He loved off-roading and horseback riding; whatever could take him off the beaten path and do so with speed.
Known as Uncle Teasy-Pants to his 8 nieces and 2 nephews, visits with him were always fun. During the last months of his life he often requested their visits to brighten his day and make him smile. His home was plastered with drawings, pictures and cards sent by his earthly angels who prayed for and loved him. He will be missed by them. Eliana, Cadence, Joel and Jasec Hadley; Brielle, Claire, Addison and Molly Davis; and Brooklyn and Kennedy Phillips.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Sara; furry child (boxer), Izzy; parents, J. Rand and Marla Ridges; sisters, Aspen (Steven) Hadley, Camille (Marty) Davis and Emily (David) Phillips; grandparents, Roy and Maxine Campbell; parents-in-law, Trudi and Harold "Short-T" Goode, Dane R. Falkner and Mary Jo Ahlin; brothers-in-law Dane V. (Charlotte) Falkner and Nicholas Falkner along with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him greatly.
Special thanks to doctors and staff at the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Hospital for the professional and charitable care provided to Ben. Also to the many friends and neighbors who served and loved Ben during the past two years. We couldn't have done it without you!
While he will be missed terribly, we imagine Ben joyfully casting off his mortal body. We hope he will take big, deep breaths. That he will run and jump and enjoy freedom from pain and suffering. That he will increase the eternal joy and happiness of others on his eternal mission as he did in his earthly mission.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Monday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the Chase Lane LDS Building, 1125 N. 400 West in Centerville. A viewing will be held Sunday, February 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main in Bountiful and on Monday morning prior to the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may donate to The Ben Ridges Charitable Fund at any America First Credit Union in order to assist with funeral costs.
The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The prize belongs to him or her who endures to the end.
Ben was born to J. Rand and Marla Campbell Ridges on December 12th, 1980 in Bountiful, Utah. Ben was the second of four children, the only son, and the king of the castle. He was sealed to his beautiful sweetheart, Sara Jane Falkner Ridges, on November 27, 2002 in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they moved several times before settling in Centerville, Utah.
Ben loved all things mechanical. He spent many hours with his dad working on engines and adding horsepower. He loved big tires, loud engines, and "showing us what this baby can do". Ben loved both the mountains of northern Utah and the red rock and sand of Southern Utah. He loved off-roading and horseback riding; whatever could take him off the beaten path and do so with speed.
Known as Uncle Teasy-Pants to his 8 nieces and 2 nephews, visits with him were always fun. During the last months of his life he often requested their visits to brighten his day and make him smile. His home was plastered with drawings, pictures and cards sent by his earthly angels who prayed for and loved him. He will be missed by them. Eliana, Cadence, Joel and Jasec Hadley; Brielle, Claire, Addison and Molly Davis; and Brooklyn and Kennedy Phillips.
Ben is survived by his loving wife, Sara; furry child (boxer), Izzy; parents, J. Rand and Marla Ridges; sisters, Aspen (Steven) Hadley, Camille (Marty) Davis and Emily (David) Phillips; grandparents, Roy and Maxine Campbell; parents-in-law, Trudi and Harold "Short-T" Goode, Dane R. Falkner and Mary Jo Ahlin; brothers-in-law Dane V. (Charlotte) Falkner and Nicholas Falkner along with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved him greatly.
Special thanks to doctors and staff at the University of Utah Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Hospital for the professional and charitable care provided to Ben. Also to the many friends and neighbors who served and loved Ben during the past two years. We couldn't have done it without you!
While he will be missed terribly, we imagine Ben joyfully casting off his mortal body. We hope he will take big, deep breaths. That he will run and jump and enjoy freedom from pain and suffering. That he will increase the eternal joy and happiness of others on his eternal mission as he did in his earthly mission.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Monday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. at the Chase Lane LDS Building, 1125 N. 400 West in Centerville. A viewing will be held Sunday, February 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main in Bountiful and on Monday morning prior to the funeral services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may donate to The Ben Ridges Charitable Fund at any America First Credit Union in order to assist with funeral costs.
The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. The prize belongs to him or her who endures to the end.
So beautifully written... I love it!
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry for your loss, Sara! I'm glad Ben was with you yesterday and I'm sure he'll be with you always.
ReplyDeleteLike so many things recently that obituary was inspired. In his Tender Mercy the Lord has allowed us to glimpse perfection as we prepared for and shared the event of Ben's viewing and funeral. He was indeed with us and continues to be close.
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