Thelma Joanne “Jodi” Ridlon passed away suddenly Wednesday, Dec. 21. She was 83.

Jodi was born in Bozeman, Mont., on March 2, 1933, to Marvin and Madge (Smith) Parsons.

She was married to Donald Ridlon on Jan. 18, 1953, in Santa Clara, Calif. With Don being in the Navy, their travels took them to several duty stations throughout the U.S.

In 1958, they were transferred to NAS Whidbey Island where they fell in love with the area. When Don retired from the Navy and civil service they traveled across the U.S., serving the Lord in their RV doing missionary work with MAPs, to which they dedicated their lives for more than 20 years.

Their final dedication of service was at the Assemblies of God Church in Anchorage, where they made their unofficial home for several years. In their late 70s they returned to Washington to be near family.

Jodi is survived by her loving husband of almost 64 years, Donald; three daughters, Carla (Michael) Ayers of Burlington, Cricket (Bill) Allen of Pleasant View, Tenn., and Meri-Jo Miller of Oak Harbor; and one son, Donald Jr. of Oak Harbor.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Jennifer Hahn, Matthew Ayers, Billy (Brittany) Allen, Corey (Thera) Allen, Carissa Schwandt, Jayme (Sheena) Schwandt, Jacob Miller and six great-grandchildren. She is additionally survived by her sister, Shirlee Allums of Salinas, Calif., as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Helen McClendon.

There will be a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Jan. 14 at the home of her son, 4347 Terrace Drive, Oak Harbor. Upon Don’s passing, their ashes will be spread at sea.