Verna Elaine Ridenour

Keswick- Verna Elaine Ridenour was born July 1, 1927, near Keswick, Iowa, the daughter of Tunis and Edith Jenny (Jordan) DeBont. She graduated from Keswick High School and went on to receive her normal training at the University of Northern Iowa. She was a life long resident of the Keswick Community. On July 22, 1945, Verna was united in marriage to Charles Don Ridenour at the Keswick United Methodist Church. Together they farmed and raised their family near Keswick. Verna was a member of the Keswick United Methodist Church, where she held several offices including president of the United Methodist Women, a Sunday school teacher and church pianist. She was a pastor’s wife for twenty years. Verna was involved with Heifer International and traveled with Don throughout the United States and Peru. She was even honored as a cowgirl. She enjoyed going to her grandchildren’s activities and spending time with her family. Verna died on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Keokuk County Medical Center in Sigourney, at the age of 98 years.

She is survived by her children Robert (Kerri) Ridenour of Double Oak, Texas, Wendell (Christine) Ridenour of Keswick and Jenny (David) Ellis of Waterloo; eleven grandchildren Nathan Ridenour, Neil Ridenour, Nick Ridenour, Megan Snakenberg, Sean Ridenour, Charlie Ridenour, Alan Ridenour, Heather Ridenour, Rachael Ridenour, Mike Hanson and Eric Hanson; twenty two great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; husband; three brothers Kenneth, Milton and Robert (infant); and three sisters Janice (infant) Ridenour; Marjorie Burden and Lois Axmear.

A funeral service will be held 10:00 am on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Keswick United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at the Golden Rod Cemetery, Deep River. Visitation will be on Wednesday, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the Powell Funeral Home in North English. A general memorial fund has been established. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.