Helen Ridge

HELEN RIDGE-HOLCOMB

Cedar Rapids

Helen Ridge, 97, of Cedar Rapids, passed away peacefully Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015, at Cottage Grove Place surrounded by family. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Helen was born March 31, 1918, in Moscow, Iowa, the daughter of Frederick and Blanche (Kline) Kaufmann. She was strong in her faith and was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Marion, participating in many activities, including serving as a shepherd. Helen spread joy through her love of music to many people as a musician, teacher and composer.

She was a longtime volunteer at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Helen had many accomplishments through the years, including ABWA Woman of the Year for the State of Iowa and Volunteer of the Year at Cottage Grove Place.

She is survived by three children, Tom (Julie) Ridge of Marion, Betty Sue (Mike) Archibald of Norwalk and Steve (Rene) Ridge of Springville; and stepson, Albert (Rochelle) Holcomb of Cedar Rapids. Grandchildren left to cherish Helen's memory are Brett (Tammy) Ridge, Nicole Ridge, Matthew (Becky) Archibald, Michelle Kopp, Courtney (Brian) Kissinger, Shannon (Andy) Ford, RyAnne Ridge, Shea (Brenna) Ridge, Tom (Amy) Kruse, Kathy (Shaun) Howe, Suzanne (Edi) Debevek, Albert Holcomb and Adam Holcomb; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Paul G. Ridge and Dr. Al Holcomb; daughter, Sharon Kay; and siblings, Lucille Graham and Robert Kaufmann.

Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society or Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar memorial.com.