Beverly Short Ridley

BUXTON – Beverly Short Ridley, 93, died peacefully on Jan. 30, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 5, 1928, in Medford, Mass.; yet, at the age of 2, when her family moved to Maine, Beverly was truly home. A forever farm girl, she lived the rest of her life on the same rural road, barefoot whenever possible. In 1946 she graduated from S.D. Hanson High School. After winning a swing dance competition together, Beverly had found her forever partner, a “city-boy” from Westbrook, Philip Ridley. She brought him to the country and taught him how to drive a car, work a dairy farm, and appreciate the beauty of a hayfield at dusk. In May they celebrated 73 years of marriage in the home they built overlooking the family’s farm. Throughout her life, Beverly displayed grit and grace. From delivering calves in the middle of the night with her 10-year-old son, to constructing Victorian Valentine’s Day boxes for her daughters’ Girl Scout troops, she put her heart into everything she created. This was especially evident in her baking. Bev’s famous whoopie pies were raved about for weeks, if not years, by anyone lucky enough to eat one at a party- they went fast! Beverly carried herself with an understated elegance and style, as seen through her keen eye for fashion and interior design. She loved shopping trips with her daughters and granddaughters and searching for treasures in antique shops up the coast of Maine with her husband, Phil. Above all, Beverly’s family was at the center of her world. She was a devoted daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Over the years, her house was always the gathering place for relatives near and far. To Beverly’s children and grandchildren, her house truly is home. This past Christmas Beverly’s favorite gift was having everyone around her table once again- her family’s favorite gift was the surprise batch of peanut butter balls she made from scratch! Beverly is predeceased by her father and mother, Alfred P. and Harriette May (Brown) Short; and brothers Herbert and Alfred. Beverly is survived by her husband, Philip; daughter, Suzanne and husband Donald, son, Philip and wife Pamela, daughter, Jacqueline and husband Antony; grandchildren Joshua, Meghann, Molly, Kristopher and fiancé Amanda; and great-grandchild, Kayden. In accordance with Beverly’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life at a later date. To express condolences and to participate in Beverly’s online tribute, please visit http://www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com.