Frederick Ray Ridge, Jr., MD, age 71, passed away, surrounded by family, on Monday, February 24, 2020 at Greene County General Hospital in Linton, Indiana following an 11-month battle against Cholangiocarcinoma. He was born January 23, 1949 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan to the late Frederick Ray Ridge, Sr. and Helen Mae Tower Ridge.

Dr. Ridge grew up in Leavenworth, Indiana where he worked along side numerous cousins for his grandfather at the Tower Orchards during the summer and fall peach and apple seasons. He was a 4-H member and regularly attended the Community Presbyterian Church, where he was active in youth fellowship and scouting programs. He was a varsity athlete as a member of the baseball, basketball, track, and cross-country teams at Leavenworth High School.

Dr. Ridge was valedictorian of Leavenworth High School in 1967 and named a National Merit Scholar. In 1971, Dr. Ridge graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and earned the honor of Highest Distinction for his academic work. His educational journey then took him to the Indiana University School of Medicine where he earned his medical degree in 1975. Dr. Ridge spent three years completing his Family Medicine Residency and working as the Chief Resident in Family Medicine at the IU School of Medicine in 1978.

Dr. Ridge was a life-long Purdue Boilermaker fan and member of the John Purdue Club, which wasn’t always easy living and working in Linton, an IU Hoosiers strong-hold. He enjoyed wood crafting, bass fishing, reading, and making stained glass art pieces for family and friends. He was a self-proclaimed arborist and a life-long learner.

Dr. Ridge began his rural family medicine practice in Corydon, Indiana in 1978 and later moved to Linton, Indiana, where he owned and operated his family medicine office from 1979-2012. He then became a partner of Premier Medical Specialists Group from 2012-2017, when he then joined Greene County General Hospital clinics, serving as medical director and Chief Medical Officer of the hospital from 2019-2020.

Dr. Ridge always attempted to give back something to the profession that has given so much to him. Not only was Dr. Ridge dedicated to continually educating himself, he also took the time to teach dozens of residents and medical students as well as nurse practitioner and physician assistant students.

Dr. Ridge volunteered his time and efforts to be a productive member of his community. Since 1978, he served gratis as the Linton-Miner Football Team Physician and rarely missed a game. He was a member of the Linton First United Methodist Church, serving on different committees and teaching Sunday school classes.

Dr. Ridge held numerous positions in several different medical organizations, serving as president of the Indiana Academy of Family Physicians, Indiana State Medical Association, and Indiana Public Health Officers Association. He was also a clinical associate professor at Indiana University Medical School Department of Family Medicine. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #188, Greene County Shriners, and Linton BPO Elks #866.

Dr. Ridge was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Donald and Stanley Ridge, a son Frederick Ray “Rick” Ridge, III, and an infant great granddaughter, Isabella Bowers.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bille Jo Fish Ridge; His children, Tim Ridge, Andrea Alltop, William (Andi) Ridge, and Amanda (Richard) Brinson; A sister, Sharon (Bob) Broughton; Brothers-in-law, Dennis Ferree and Eddie Fish; Sisters-in-law, Leah Ann White Ridge and Mary Armstrong Ridge; His grandchildren, Shan-Michael Bowers, Kailee Bowers, Sydney Alltop, Riley Alltop, Ryan Ridge, Clara Ridge, Ruby Brinson, and Lily Brinson; Great-grandchildren, Gavin Daugherty, Jaden Daugherty, Maddox Bowers, Mya Bowers, and Raelyn Helton; As well as several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday February 28, 2020 at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home 140 E. Vincennes Street, Linton, Indiana from 3pm to 8 pm, with Masonic Rites at 7:30pm. In consideration of the Linton Lady Miners Basketball state championship game, visitation will resume on Sunday March 1, 2020 at Linton First United Methodist Church, 150 2nd Street NE, Linton, Indiana from 1pm until the time of service at 3pm with Pastor Ben Biggs officiating with the assistance of family and friends. A graveside service will be held at Stafford Cemetery following the church service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Linton First United Methodist Church and/or The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.welchcornett.com.