In Memory of Our Mother – GLADYS ELLIS

February 1909 – 2008  

 Gladys was one of the longest living residents of RIDGE, who didn’t quite make her 99^th Birthday!  She moved into ‘RIDGE COTTAGE’ after her marriage to LEN (known as JOHN), in 1935 – and lived here for over 70+ years. Looking through some old photos of this time, our part of the Village has hardly changed at all: - except for the disappearance of all the large elm trees and the annual snow drifts!   

 She was very happy here, and joined in all the many Village activities – The Woman’s Institute and the monthly Whist Drives – she was once an Angel in a Nativity Play in the Village Hall – where regular plays were performed. She was a very active and outgoing person, and loved her garden and her daschund dogs, which she bred from for several years. There were also ducks and chickens to feed, and her daughters to meet from school when we walked up from the bus at South Mimms.

 The 1940’s to 1960’s was period of a very stable Community Life and neighbours hardly changed – certainly everyone knew each other’s business and there were many ‘Aunties and Uncles’ around for us children.  How sad that this way of life has completely disappeared. We could enjoy playing freely in the surrounding lanes and fields, and even set up a skipping rope across the Village Street.

 Our father JOHN died in 1973 soon after he had retired, but Mum by that time had grandchildren to keep her occupied.

 Her final years were a struggle, but she bore her handicaps cheerfully, and hardly complained when her eyesight became poor in her late 80’s and she could no longer knit, read or watch snooker:- she still however, walked her little dog daily, and hade her own bread.

 We cannot be sad at her passing, as she has had a full and interesting life here in RIDGE and she is now at peace.

 We wish to thank all the Villagers and friends who came to say farewell at RIDGE CHURCH on February 18^th, and it is comforting to think she now rests in the Churchyard, in a Village she had been so happy and contented.

                                           Barbara Ellis and Mary Baack