Ruth Estelle "Dukie" Ridgell, 66, of Great Mills, MD died November 21, 2010 at St. Mary's Hospital. Born October 31, 1944 in Hollywood, MD she was the daughter of the late William and Thelma McGee.

Mrs. Ridgell was the loving wife of John Ridgell whom she married in Leonardtown, MD on September 17, 1966.

She is survived by her children; John Morrison (Beverly) of Scotland, MD, Willie Ridgell (Marsha) of Mechanicsville, MD , Frannie Evans (Bobby) of Great Mills, MD and Cindy Ridgell of Great Mills, MD. Mrs. Ridgell is also survived by her siblings; Shirley Spalding of Hollywood, MD, Ann Trull of Robinsville, NC and Diana Rogers of Leonardtown, MD as well as ten grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces' and nephews.

She is preceded in death by two siblings Phil Cusic and Mary Evelyn Fabrizio.

"Dukie" was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County; she was a homemaker who will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. She loved bingo, cooking and baking. She looked forward to the holidays; it gave her great pleasure to cook for and entertain all of her family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, November 24th, 2010 in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home; Leonardtown, MD with a service being held at 1:00 PM with Fr. Joseph Callis officiating, interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be Grandsons; Allen Ridgell, Billy Ridgell, Christopher Morrison, Gary Morrison, Robbie Evans and Steven Ridgell.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or the Second District Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 1, Valley Lee, MD 20692.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A.