Joan Ellen (Carter) Ridling was born Feb. 10, 1940 to N.G. and Anita Carter in Weatherford. Joan, along with her brother Jack and sister Janet began their elementary years at Cowden. Eventually the family moved to Port her eighth grade year. During high school, Joan excelled at softball and basketball as well as academics and she was named Valedictorian of her senior class. She had a deep loyalty to the Port Tigers and displayed her love by proudly wearing her tiger jewelry to each Port reunion.
Joan met R.L. Ridling through high school rivalries between Port and Sentinel. To begin their courtship, the self-assured R.L. expressed interest by playing the song “Hey Good Lookin’” over the loudspeaker at a local hangout. Joan quickly responded to his presumptuous actions by playing a little song of her own, “If You’ve Got The Money, Honey, I’ve Got The Time.” Little did the two know that their future family would cherish this recollection of how their love story began.
After finishing high school, R.L. and Joan were married on Aug. 17, 1957, in Sentinel and God soon blessed them with three children: Ricky Lynn, Russell Carter, and Shari Denise. Joan loved being a mother to her kids and a helpmate to R.L. on the farm with their sheep operation, but most of all she loved Jesus. Joan was extremely active in the First Baptist Church of Sentinel where she played the piano and organ, taught classes and led Bible study groups for decades. She was a phenomenal story teller and could recite verse after verse, chapter after chapter. As a result of her love for Jesus and his people, countless men, women, and children have come to know the Lord because of her faithfulness.
Throughout her life, Joan came to be wellknown for many things. Her closet and jewelry were the envy of girls of all ages and many would come to borrow something for a special occasion. The same goes for her love of sports. Many hours were spent following her kids and grandkids across the U.S. to their sporting events. She had an extensive collection of baseball and basketball cards and always kept the best entertainment for kids. She was a fabulous cook and among her most requested dishes were chicken and dressing casserole and strawberry cake. She loved music, especially Elvis, and even at the end of her life many great memories were made singing gospel hymns at her bedside while she tapped her toes and chimed in on the chorus. Most importantly, Joan was known for her heart. Her beauty inside radiated throughout her entire life and she had a true and honest love for all people.
She passed away Friday, April 3, 2020 at her home in Sentinel, surrounded by her loving family.
Joan was preceded in death by her father, N.G. Carter; her mother, Anita Carter; and her brother, Jack Carter.
Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her husband, R.L. Ridling; three children: Rick Ridling and wife Kelley of Sentinel, Rusty Ridling and wife Dana of Sentinel, and Shari Coody and husband Jack of Sentinel; seven grandkids; eight great-grandkids; sister, Janet Grigg and husband Leon of Oklahoma City; sister-in-law, Margie Carter of Edmond; her beloved dog Booger; along with numerous other family members and friends.
Private graveside services were held Monday, April 6, 2020 at the Sentinel Cemetery in Sentinel.
Online condolences may be signed at www. yandafuneral.com, Arrangements under the direction of Yanda & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Yukon.