Elizabeth “Betty Kay” Ridenour, age 83 of Indiana, PA passed away peacefully on Friday October 24th, 2025, in her home surrounded by her (as she knew better than anyone) far from perfect but super loving family. She was born in Wilkinsburg, PA on August 26th, 1942, the daughter of the late Edward J. Little and Lucille “Lynch” Little.
Betty Kay was a 1960 graduate of Gateway High School. She held numerous job positions throughout her years, her most recent and favorite being a Subway Sandwich Artist at her daughter’s local Subway restaurants. The register never balanced at the end of her shifts, but the customers and the employees all loved her.
Betty Kay’s passions were as vast as her heart. She had a love for gambling, painting, and cross-stitching. But nothing brought her more joy than hosting gatherings for family and friends. She was truly the life of the party—at every party—and there were many. She had an unmatched gift for making people feel special, whether it was chatting with strangers in the grocery store or fixing someone’s shirt tag because she simply cared. Betty Kay never met a stranger – you never knew who would show up at the Thanksgiving table – from the local waitstaff she would try to fix up with her grandchildren or the 911 operator that patiently talked her through her entrapment in the automatic carwash. Every holiday was open to everyone, because Betty Kay believed life was better when shared—with laughter, love, and plenty of company.
In addition to her husband of 63 years, Jack Ridenour, she is survived by her daughter Lori (Dan) Mock of Indiana, PA, daughter-in-law Diane Ridenour (Rob) of Carlisle, PA. Her sister Linda (John) Hainley of Sigel, PA. Grandchildren and bonus grandchildren, Nick Delpra (Amber), Devynn (Jordan) Barry, Abby Ridenour, Katie Ridenour, Jessica (Nick) Karas, Danny Mock (Alicia), Jesse Rounce and Alli Rounce. Bonus great-grandchildren included Angelina and Fiona Betty Karas. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who were close to her heart. And we can’t forget her four-legged companion, Emma Rose.
She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Lucile Little, brothers Bill and Eddie Little and sister-in-law Beverly Little. It brought us great comfort knowing that, after 19 long years, she is once again reunited with her beloved son, Jack Ridenour. We are filled with joy knowing of their long awaited reunion of laughter and endless hugs.
We apologize if we messed up anyone’s names but we definitely got closer than she would have. We are still trying to get logged into most of her accounts because her password list was four pages long. Thank God there is no password to get into Heaven because she would not remember it.
There is no doubt in our minds that she tripped over the threshold of the pearly gates and she blamed it on everything except for the glass of wine in her hand. As Jesus said, I love you Betty, she said I love you more.
Friends will be received Monday, October 27th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory, 965 Philadelphia St., Indiana.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org
Betty Kay’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the aides and hospice staff for the exceptional love, care, and compassion they provided during the past few months, allowing her to remain comfortably at home as she wished.
Online condolences may be made by visiting rbfh.net .
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