Nancy Arlene (Morlock) Ridley

Nancy (Morlock) Ridley, 69, passed away on October 25th after a brave, yearlong battle with cancer, lovingly cared for by her husband Charles (Chuck) Ridley. Nancy was born on March 19, 1954, she grew up on a farm in Staples with her eight siblings. She married her husband on December 31st, 1973, and they lived in Minneapolis, followed by Florida, and eventually moved to a dairy farm in Sebeka, MN in 1980. They raised their two boys on the farm until 1988 when they moved to Red Wing, MN for work after attending Staples Technical Institute where she received a certificate in photography. Nancy worked as a photographer at Photo Fair and enjoyed helping people capture their memories, and taking beautiful photos herself.

Nancy was quick to smile and laugh, to make a comical observation or tell a funny story, her love was bottomless for her family, she shared it openly and easily making sure each person knew how much she loved them. She was full of energy, not one to sit still, she was a hard worker and usually had a project or a plan for something she wanted to do. A curious person who loved to learn, she observed the world around her and she gave her input with honesty and kindness.

Nancy and Chuck’s over five decades together took them on many adventures. They were each other’s best friend, they had deep affection for one another, and they were rarely apart. Nancy tended their yard with love and care, she enjoyed learning about the flowers, plants and birds, and caring for their koi pond.

Nancy adored her two sons, Rimhel (Susie) and Chris (Courtney), and she raised them to be gentle, strong and kind, loving fathers and caring husbands. She loved fishing with her son Chris in his boat on Lake Pepin and on the Mississippi River. She enjoyed music with her son Rimhel, and bought him his first of many guitars three decades ago.

Nancy’s grandchildren brought her the greatest joy, and she made sure Jada, Grace, Xander, Max, Conrad, Luke and Kara knew how special they were to her and how proud each of them made her.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Norma and Harry Morlock, and her granddaughter Jada. She is survived by her husband Chuck, her sons, their wives and their children, and all of her siblings, Darla Burke (Jerry), Janice Jensen (Lynn Clodfelder), Lauren Morlock, David Morlock, James Morlock, Russell Morlock, Curtiss Morlock, Lori Huff (Harold) and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of memorials or flowers, please plant some flowers, kiss your grandchild, hug your spouse, and tell someone you love them, in memory of Nancy. A service in Nancy’s memory will take place in the coming months. Arrangements were handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing, Minnesota.