WINTHROP — Rowena Helen Ridley, 84, of Academy Road, Litchfield, died Friday, Oct. 1, at Winthrop Manor Nursing Home in Winthrop.

She was born Sept. 3rd, 1926, in Litchfield, the daughter of Chester and Cecilia (Wentzell) Danforth. Rowena attended Litchfield schools and graduated from Litchfield Academy.

On March 17, 1945 in Litchfield, she married George Ridley Sr. Mr. Ridley passed away May 4, 1996.

Rowena worked at Kennebec Manufacturing in Gardiner, making children’s clothes, and also worked at one time as a lunch counter server. Rowena worked on the farm with her husband and although it was a lot of work at times, she enjoyed her animals and her gardens. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, playing cards, and camping with friends and family.

Rowena was a devoted grandmother and attended almost all of her grandchildren’s sporting events.

She is survived by her son, George Ridley Jr., of Hampton, Mass.; her son-in-law, Harold Jewell, of Litchfield; three sisters, Annie Getchell of Litchfield, Dorothy Wright of Auburn. and Virginia Porter of Litchfield; seven grandchildren, Matthew Ridley, Andrew Ridley; Rebecca Martias, Harold Jewell Jr., Brandon Ridley, Cory Ridley, and Ashley Sawyer; 13 great-grandchildren, and one more soon to arrive.

She was predeceased by a son, Gerald L. Ridley, in 1996; her daughter, Jacqueline Jewell, on May 14, 2009; her brothers, Chester Danforth Jr. and Clarence Danforth; and her sister, Louise Vannah.

Messages of condolence may be sent to www.finleyfuneralhome.com.