Hope Ridgway Godfrey

Hope Ridgway Godfrey, age 95, of Fairfield Bay, Ark., passed on from this earthly life on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2011, just short of her 96th birthday in Fairfield Bay. She was born on Aug. 17, 1915, in Philadelphia, Pa. Hope was a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Class of 1937 with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education. After graduation Hope served in the USO during WWII in various locations around the world. Most notable was her service in Bombay, India, Burma, and the Philippines. She was married and preceded in death by Army retired Major Donald Ridgway, who served in WWII with 11th Airborne Division. She was remarried and preceded in death by Army retired Lieutenant Colonel Jim Godfrey, who also served in WWII. Both husbands proudly served as Airborne soldiers. Hope was an educator and taught English at many of the locations where her husband served throughout his military career. Her greatest passion over the last 50 years was her love of Bridge, where she achieved the level of duplicate Bridge Master. During her life, Hope traveled extensively throughout the world, making wonderful friends and influencing the lives of countless people and their families worldwide. In her later years Hope enjoyed special time with her family and friends while still actively playing Bridge well into her 90s. Hope will be remembered for always having a smile on her face, always showing her concern for others. Hope was known for her independence and her love of travel. Hope was involved with various dance groups and performed in competitions well into her late 80s. She is survived by her two children: Gay Embrey of Fairfield Bay, Ark., and Donnie Ridgway of Memphis, Tenn.; a half sister Sherry Fetterolf of Philadelphia, Pa., and 4 grandchildren: Cameron Ridgway, currently serving with the U.S. Army in Iraq; Mathew Herman of Fort Lauderdale Fla.; Jimmy Godfrey of Chicago, Ill., and Susie Godfrey of Bradenton, Fla.. Hope's wishes were to be cremated. No memorial service will be held but a Celebration of Hopie's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to the Area X Hospice care of Gay Embrey, POB 1137, Fairfield Bay, Ark., 72088. Arrangements are by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton. Online guestbook: rollerfuneralhomes.com.