Geneva Long Ridgeway

Geneva Long Ridgeway won her three-year fight against pancreatic cancer on February 13, 2022, in Midland, Texas. She always said she wanted to paint sunsets for God when she went to heaven, and we know she is delighting in her new heavenly duties.

Geneva was born February 3, 1948, to Lorene and Jack Long in Gorman, Texas. She grew up on her step-father’s peanut farm outside of Comanche, Texas, with her older brother, Wayne Long, and younger twin sisters, Lou Hitt and Sue Mercer. One of her favorite claims to fame was that she was “the best peanut hoe-er in Comanche County!” On May 8, 1966, while hanging out with friends in town, a dark blue 1965 Super Sport Chevelle caught Geneva’s eye. She thought the driver was pretty cute too. After exactly one year of dating, Geneva and Paul Ridgeway were married on May 8, 1967, in Comanche. Twelve and fifteen years later, they were blessed with two children, Brett and Laci, whom they raised in Midland. She was an incredibly devoted and loving mom who would sacrifice anything for her children and husband.

While working full-time as a nurse and rearing two young children, Geneva worked to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Texas Tech University. Geneva was a kind, caring, and selfless caregiver who loved to laugh and always appreciated a good practical joke among co-workers. Geneva retired from nursing in 2014 and enjoyed her new full-time role as “Gigi” to Lilli, Lainey, Grant, Christian, and Bowen. Gigi always made sure there was candy in the jar, toys in the house, a warm, comfy blanket to share, and endless hugs. Geneva will be lovingly remembered by her family and friends for her kindness, compassion, selflessness, humor, humble heart, and grace.

Geneva is survived by the love of her life, husband Paul Ridgeway; son, Brett Ridgeway, and wife, Lindsay, of Midland; daughter, Laci Chester, and husband, Shannon, of Old Hickory, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Lilli Chester, Lainey Ridgeway, Grant Chester, Christian Chester, and Bowen Ridgeway; sister, Lou Hitt, and her husband, Roger; sister, Sue Mercer, and her husband, Clifford; sister-in-law, Lynn Long; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She is preceded in death by her parents, Jack Long and Lorene Rogers Richey, step-fathers, Curley Rogers and Glen Richey, and brother, Wayne Long.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center (https://gifts.mdanderson.org/).

Family will receive friends at a visitation on Tuesday, February 15, 2022, from 6-8 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle Welch Funeral Home.  Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.