December 19, 1932-August 4, 2024

Robert Perry Ridgley, known to friends and family as Bob, passed away peacefully on August 4, 2024, in his home in Fall City, WA surrounded by loved ones. He was 91.

Bob was born in Renton, WA, to Perry and Alice Ridgley and was the oldest of five children. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves during his high school years. Bob married his love, Lela Mae Perry, on July 20, 1953, and was honorably discharged after two years of active duty in the Navy before the two settled in Issaquah, WA. This is where they begin raising their family of nine children together.

In 1980, Bob and Lela moved their family to wooded acreage in Fall City WA, clearing the land to carve out space for a home. Together, with their children, Bob and Lela built their dream home, made of whole wood logs, from the foundation up. They continued to raise their family in this large, simply rustic, log home for many years. The Fall City family home has often held large holiday gatherings, birthday celebrations, backyard camp outs as well as three family weddings in the last 40 years.

A proud member of IAM Local 289, Bob worked as a Machinist at the assembly plant of Kenworth Truck Company in Seattle just short of 48 years before retiring with a record breaking tenure. He enjoyed his buddies at work and the camaraderie that lingered for years later when meeting up to swap tales and laugh about old times.

Bob had an unassuming nature and he cared about people. He was kind and friendly to those he met and grateful for the people in his life. His sense of humor did not wane even in his last days, as his wit kept family and caregivers giggling.

Bob and Lela shared a great love of nature. Happiness often meant taking their children and grandchildren on camping, hiking and fishing adventures.

Gifted in the art of mechanics, there were very few things Bob couldn’t fix with his hands and a strategic mindset.

He was driven to work hard each day which made supporting his family possible, and was a value he proudly instilled in his children.

Bob and Lela recently celebrated 71 years of marriage. During those years they welcomed a total of 19 grandchildren and four great- grandchildren into the world.

Bob is survived by his wife, Lela Ridgley; his best pal and pug, Toby; 8 children; Robert Ridgley, Diane Beck, David Ridgley, Carol Livingston, Debbie Selzer, Laurie (Lola) Ridgley-Wagar, Lisa Yamasaki and Karrie Schilperoort.

He is predeceased by his daughter, Kathryn Peterson.