Joyce Elaine Ridens

Joyce Elaine Ridens, daughter of the late Archie Roland and Roxie Geneva (Kelly) Douglas, was born July 27, 1936, in Douglas County, Missouri. She went to her heavenly home on Aug. 18, 2026, in Cabool at the age of 90. Joyce grew up in Lancaster, Calif. In 1952, her family moved back to Missouri, where she attended Norwood High School and met her high school sweetheart, George Ridens, Sr. Following high school, Joyce moved to Kansas City and worked as a telephone operator. She and George moved to California and were united in marriage on June 27, 1955, in Bakersfield. In 1966, they moved to Montana and then, in 1968, they settled on their farm in Norwood. Joyce remained forever faithful, being George’s girlfriend for nearly 75 years and wife for 71 years. Joyce liked doing embroidery and gave many of her embroidered pillowcases as gifts throughout the years. She could often be seen watching her favorite game shows, such as “Wheel Of Fortune,” “Jeopardy” and “The Price Is Right.” In Crescent City, Calif., she treasured walking the beach, hunting and collecting agate stones on the shoreline. Joyce had a love for chocolate desserts and was famously known for her pineapple cheesecake that was used in her son, Gary’s, restaurant in Newport, Tenn. That recipe was also used in the Southern Roads cookbooks. Joyce truly enjoyed attending the annual Norwood Alumni Banquets and visiting with friends. Joyce also had a heart for the Christmas season. Each year she would have fourteen trees decorated in the house with numerous Santas, snowmen, and other animated characters inside and outside of the house. It has been mentioned by several people over the years that there was no need in traveling to Branson to see the Christmas lights…just go to George and Joyce’s house! Joyce was dedicated to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She taught Sunday School to the little ones at Oak Forrest for several years. She is now resting at the feet of the Jesus she taught so many children about.
 Besides her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by one son, George Ridens, Jr.; one daughter, Elynn Copeland; one grandson, Duane Copeland; and one granddaughter, Trish Dugger; one brother-in-law, Jack Chadwell; one sister-in-law, Myra Douglas. Joyce is survived by her husband of over 71 years, George Edward  Ridens, Sr., of the home; son, Gary Ridens (Geraldine), of Newport, Tenn.; daughter, Elaine Dugger (Randy), of Mountain Grove; daughter-in-law, Sheryl Ridens, of Poplar Bluff; five grandchildren, Russ Dugger (Nadia), of Catoosa, Okla.; Chris Ridens (Shelly), of Poplar Bluff; Brent Dugger (Larissa), of Bartlesville, Okla.; Jera Morse (Robert), of Poplar Bluff; and Doug Copeland (Jamie), of Lone Jack; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale Douglas (Jeanette), of Branson, and Danny Douglas (Ramona), of Macomb; sister, Judy Chadwell, of Norwood; numerous nephews and nieces; and many other relatives and dear friends who will miss her greatly. A visitation was held on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. and a funeral service was held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at 10 a.m., both at the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Pastor Zach Williams officiated at the service. Serving as pallbearers were Russ Dugger, Chris Ridens, Brent Dugger, Jera Ridens-Morse, Doug Copeland and Ottie Smith. Song selections included “When I Get Where I’m Going,” “How Great Thou Art” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Interment followed at the Thomas Cemetery, Norwood, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.