Norma "Jean" Ridgway

Norma “Jean” Ridgway, age 92, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Park Village Southside, following a period of declining health.

Jean was born on December 1, 1933, at her family home in Midvale to the late Cletus and Ruth (Freshwater) Shaffer. After graduating from high school in 1952, Jean worked at Graffs on the Southside of New Philadelphia and at Buckeye Machine.

On February 15, 1953, Jean married the late Joseph “Tony” Ridgway, and they shared 61 years of marriage until his passing on April 10, 2014. The couple raised two daughters, Linda Ridgway of New Philadelphia, her devoted daughter and caregiver, and Julie (Bryon) Kovalaske of Sugarcreek. In addition to her daughters, Jean is also survived by her grandchildren, Ryan Kovalaske of Columbus, and Megan (Bruce) Kovalaske Grimm of Strasburg; two great grandchildren; brothers, James (Jill) Shaffer of Dover, Dave (Pam) Shaffer of Canton, Richard Shaffer of California; sister, Jane Cotter of New Philadelphia, and sister-in-law, Nancy Shaffer of New Philadelphia. She also leaves behind her beloved cat, Rocky; and grand-kitty, Loui.

Jean was a devoted wife, homemaker, and above all, a compassionate caregiver. She began her life caring for her younger siblings after the passing of her father, and the devotion to serving others was evident throughout her life. Not only did she care for her family, but was a kind neighbor to all, never hesitating to lend a helping hand or provide a meal when someone needed it. She proudly made everything from scratch, and both friends and family enjoyed her baking. She also never forgot a birthday, holiday, or special occasion, with many noting that she never missed the opportunity to send a friend or family member a thoughtful card. Along with her husband, she delivered for Meals on Wheels for 15 years, was a volunteer for the New Philadelphia Quaker Foundation, and member of the Tuscarawas County Democratic Women’s League, where she formed many lasting friendships. For nearly 40 years she enjoyed monthly Canasta games with her card club, as well as get-togethers at Tuscora Park with the members of the “5th Street Gang” from her youth.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jean is preceded in death by her siblings, Shirley Savage, and Wendell Shaffer; and brother-in-law, Mervin Cotter; and her cat, Riley.

Linda would like to extend her gratitude to the staff of Park Village Southside and Crossroads Hospice for the wonderful care shown to Jean over the years and in her final days. Linda would also like to thank Steve Shade, activity director at Park Village, and his team, for the memorable events and live entertainment provided for the residents, creating many memories and smiles over the years.

Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663; The Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Road NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663; or Crossroads Hospice of Green, 3743 Boettler Oaks Dr Suite E, Uniontown, Ohio 44685.

Services celebrating Jean’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia with Reverend Robert Eller officiating. Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover on Friday, May 8, 2026 from 5 to 7 PM. Interment will follow at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia. Please visit the funeral home’s website to sign an online guestbook for Jean.