Richard Jay Eldridge

Eldridge, Richard Jay ELDRIDGE – Richard Jay Eldridge of Alto, Michigan passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 3, 2014.  He was born on March 13, 1931 in Dutton Michigan to Manly and Ruth (Deming) Eldridge who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Lyle and Marvin Eldridge; sisters, Madeline Wenger and Marietta VanderHeide; sister-in-law, Shirley Lewis; and brothers-in-law, Lyle DeMeester and Russell Schantz.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Fern (Lewis) Eldridge; children, Greg and Karen (Bancroft) Eldridge, Barry Eldridge; grandchildren, Betsy (James) Love, Brad (Erin) Eldridge, Tom Eldridge, Jay Eldridge; great-grandchildren, Bode Eldridge and Alex Eldridge; sisters, Verle Schantz, Thelma (Harold) Bestrom; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Marie Eldridge, Marjean Eldridge, Alice DeMeester, Marjorie (Jerry) Baker, Roger (Sue) Lewis.  Richard served in the US Army during the Korean War.  A private family graveside ceremony has taken place at Bowne Center Cemetery.