Deanna Ridenour Obituary

Deanna L. Ridenour

Feb 1, 1946 - Mar 15, 2026

Sandusky

Deanna L. (McVetta) Ridenour, 80, residing in Sandusky, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Deanna was born February 1, 1946, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Sandusky, to the late Clifford H. and Wilma (Smith) McVetta.

Deanna graduated from Perkins High School in 1964, the first class to attend all four years. She went on to further her education at Capitol University in Bexley, Ohio, and Sandusky School of Practical Nursing. Deanna devoted many years to healthcare, working for Providence Hospital and later The Commons of Providence. Following the merger with Firelands, she continued her service with Firelands and Provider Services.

Throughout her career, Deanna was passionate about education and community outreach. She taught numerous programs through Providence Hospital, including Super Sitters and American Heart Association CPR courses. She was also a certified CPR and Red Cross CPR and First Aid instructor. In addition, Deanna once managed her family's business, T-Drive In.

A woman deeply devoted to her faith and community, Deanna was very active in her church. At St. Paul Lutheran Church, she served as a Sunday School teacher, church council member, and FLAME representative. She coordinated the church's monthly Welcome Table community meal for many years and participated in numerous outreach efforts, including the Conestoga Project and blood mobile drives. She was also involved with Zion Lutheran Church.

Deanna was a member of Car Coddlers Club of Ohio, an organization her father helped establish in 1964. She served the club faithfully as secretary and newsletter editor for 18 years and was honored with the Meritorious Service Award. Her dedication to youth and community service was evident through her work as an Erie Shores Girl Scout advisor, a 4-H advisor for Erie Belles and Erie VIPs, and as a member of Erie County Extension Advisory Board. Deanna was also a member of American Business Women's Association, Eagles No. 444 Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and IABC. In recognition of her commitment to education and youth programs, she received the Erie County Education Foundation's 2017 Outstanding Service After School Program Award.

Deanna is survived by her daughters, Shannon (Mark) Blevins and Shayri Lawson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shayne (Ashley) Blevins, Shaun (Emma Kastor) Blevins, Madilynn Lawson, and Logan Lawson; great-grandchildren; brother, Dr. Rod McVetta; brother-in-law, Michael Ridenour; and numerous nieces, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Deanna is preceded in death by her husband of almost 59 years, David Ridenour, in February 2026; brother, Kevin McVetta; aunt, Clara Rarey; uncle, Richard Rarey; and her fur baby, Benji.

Friends may call from noon until time of service at 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Meadow Green Funeral Home, 2602 Bogart Road, Huron, with Pastor Michael Conklin presiding. Private burial will take place at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron.

Those wishing to contribute to Deanna's memory may do so to Foundation for Firelands for CPR Education, 1111 Hayes Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870 or online at https://www.foundationforfirelands.com/foundation/ or The Family of Deanna Ridenour.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.