Obituary of Marian Elaine Ridley

Marian Elaine (Goergen) Ridley 

June 27, 1947-December 19, 2024

Marian passed away after a long, courageous, steadfast battle with pulmonary fibrosis, lung transplant and kidney disease. She was born in Austin, MN and graduated from Pacelli High School and then Southwest State University (SSU). Marian married Robert Ridley, her life long friend and partner, in 1967. She worked as a Unit Coordinator at the Marshall hospital for 38 years and as a faculty member at SSU teaching and coaching the forensic speech team for 10 years. Marian and Robert raised their family and resided in Marshall for 41 years before moving to Farmington, MN and eventually she to Plymouth MN to live out her days with family.

Marian loved Christmas time. Her favorite activities included spending time with family, traveling, singing and dancing, going to the theater, being by the ocean, biking, hiking and rarely turning down the opportunity to hit a slot machine. Marian and Robert were also able to enjoy a few precious, early retirement years wintering in Tucson, AZ and summering in Okoboji, IA-their home away from home throughout their marriage. 

Marian is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years Robert, her mother Madeline (Meyer) Goergen, her father Herman Goergen, her brother Nick Goergen and sister Beverly Goergen. Marian is survived by her loving army of women including 3 daughters (Sara, Kristin and Karis Ridley), 2 adored granddaughters (Abby and Meg Larson), her sister (Barb Goergen), 4 fur-grandbabies (Monroe, Mosely, Leonard and Jonah) as well as countless friends and extended relatives. 

Marian asked that everyone who remembers her, celebrate her life by raising a glass and toasting her and her overflowing gratefulness to all those who touched her life. In lieu of flowers or memorials, she would love people to do an unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone who needs it. 

May we honor Marian's legacy. Love well. Live well. Laugh well. Treat one another well.  Dance often. Judge no one. Accept all as they are. Inspire everyone. Live strong with no regrets. Treat your loved ones and strangers with the same generosity and grace. Always stay humble and kind. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring when the wildflowers bloom, another favorite of Marian's.