Margaret Helen Ridley of Devils Lake, ND, passed away on Tuesday, Sep. 23, 2025, at Eventide Heartland Care Center at the age of 90 years.
Funeral Services for Helen were held on Saturday, Sep. 27 at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with Reverend Dayne Zachrison officiating. Burial was in the Elkwood Cemetery, rural Langdon on Saturday. A time of fellowship followed the funeral service at the Devils Lake Elks Lodge.
Helen, second child of four, was born on a farm at Darlingford, MB, Canada, the daughter of George Alvin and Mattie (Ellwood) McElroy on Oct. 14, 1934. She grew up in Darlingford and attended school there. She contracted polio and she was unable to complete high school. But with great determination, Helen overcame the debilitating effects of polio and attended a Secretarial School in Winnipeg. She then worked in Winnipeg as a secretary for a brief period of time.
Helen met the love of her life Ronald Dale Ridley on a blind double date with her cousin. Helen and Dale were united in marriage on Dec. 18, 1954, at Darlingford. They established their home on the Ridley farm until 1963 when they moved to their farm, rural Wales. Here they lived, farmed side by side and raised their children through the years. Starting in 2003, they would spend the winter months in Devils Lake and return to the farm in the summer. In the fall of 2008, they made Devils Lake their permanent home. Dale passed away on Dec. 21, 2011.
The family enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada through the years and also traveling around the country and often the grandchildren were included in those trips. In the winter months, Helen and Dale would go to Texas or Arizona for a few months or travel to many other states including Alaska, Wisconsin and even a trip to Australia. They also enjoyed curling at the rink in Wales and participating in area bonspiels.
Helen was an exceptional cook and an exceptionally talented seamstress, also doing knitting and crocheting. She made many beautiful creations, especially sweaters that were shared with family and friends. Her daughter Janet always had the latest fashions for her Barbie doll. Dale had a sweet tooth, so the cookie jar was never empty, and good coffee, good treats, and good conversation were shared daily with family and friends.
Though Helen may no longer walk beside us, her spirit will be with us always. Rest in peace.
Helen is survived by her son Larry Ridley and wife Diane of Fargo ND; daughter Janet and husband Roger Amble of Devils Lake; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren Maggie Ridley; Jason (Amanda) Amble and their sons Liam and Brody Amble, Justin (Qing) Amble and their children Luna and Stella, Megan (Brandon) Rod and their children Kaylee and Kendall; two step grandchildren and three great grandchildren Sadie (Jody) Lindbo and their daughter Louise and Cody (Vanessa) Fettig and their children Alice and Henry; several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dale, triplet great grandchildren Emma, Braeden and Lauren and twin great grandchildren Owen and Hattie, siblings George Allen McElroy, Donald H. McElroy and Edith Johnston, father-in-law and mother-in-law John Albert and Eva Ridley.
