Francis W. "Skeet" Ridge

February 14, 1940 – January 16th, 2021

Francis W. "Skeet" Ridge, age 80 of Sheridan, passed away on January 16th, 2021 in Westfield, IN. Skeet was born on February 14th, 1940 in Sheridan, Indiana. He was the son of the late Jesse Melvin "Bud" Ridge and Roseanna (Perron) Deforge. Skeet married Renate Rosemarie (Weisschnur) Ridge on November 24, 1961 in Berlin, Germany. He also enjoyed celebrating November 4, 1961, which he called "blind date anniversary", the day he met Renate and was going to bring her back to America! Skeet was part of the class of 1959, Sheridan High School. Skeet joined the U.S. Army in 1959 – 1964 and went to military police school, 7th Calvary. He was stationed in Berlin, Germany (Checkpoint Charlie). He was part of Homeland Security/U. S State Defense Force from 2001-2008 with the rank of Staff Sargent. "Skeet" was very proud of his military service and was very patriotic. During his time in Berlin, he met the love of his life. Renate, on a blind date. After returning home from the service, he worked at Firestone in Noblesville and Biddle Screw Products in Sheridan. He worked majority of his life for United Feeds in Sheridan (32 ½ Years). He also ran Skeet's Tree Service for many years. Skeet was a member of the Sheridan Kiwanians Club, Sheridan Lions Club and a member of Cicero American Legion Post #341 where he was part of the color guard. Also, Post Commander of Sheridan V.F.W. (Veteran of Foreign Wars) Post #3109 until it went to Westfield and a life member of the V.F.W. Post #10506 in Berlin, Germany. Skeet loved antiquing and going to auctions with his wife Renate. Both Skeet and Renate were Fenton (glass) dealers for many years. Skeet also enjoyed traveling with Renate on trips with the Berlin Veteran's Military Association, which met each year. Skeet is survived by his wife Renate Ridge, daughter, Yvonne (Ridge) Pickett of Sheridan, grandson, Steven M. Pickett of Noblesville, brothers, Larry Ridge (Sharon) of Massachusetts, Rex Ridge (Janice) of Florida, John (Dianne) Ridge and many nieces and nephews. Skeet is preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, John Perry Pickett, brothers, Vernon "Brub" Ridge of Sheridan, Phillip Ridge of Sheridan, Sisters, Jeanne Smith of Sheridan, Elizabeth "Betty" Marlow of Sheridan and Barbara Holliday of Sheridan. Due to the pandemic restrictions services for Skeet will be private. The family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Skeet service will be on Facebook Live at Fisher Family Funeral Services Facebook page on Thursday January 21, at 2:00 pm. Everyone is invited to sign the online guest book leave a condolence or share a memory at fisherfunerals.com The family would like to invite anyone who would like to pay their final respects to Skeet please socially distance on Main Street, we will be leaving Fisher Family Funeral Services at 2:45.