Nana Lou (Martin) Ridgeway

Nana Lou (Martin) Ridgeway, 78, of Bethesda, Ohio, passed away on March 9, 2026, in Wheeling, West Virginia. She was born July 15, 1947, in Wheeling, the daughter of the late Herbert and Mildred Martin.

Nana was a talented floral designer who had a special gift for creating beautiful arrangements, particularly for the weddings of her children and friends. Her creativity and eye for design brought beauty and joy to many special occasions throughout the years.

She had a lifelong love of horses and especially enjoyed showing her Arabian and Morgan horses. One of her proudest achievements came when one of her Morgan horses earned the title of Amateur Grand Champion Western Pleasure at the Grand National and World Championship Morgan Horse Show.

Beyond her family, Nana’s greatest passion was the Papillon dog, particularly the original drop-eared variety known as the Phalene. She worked tirelessly through  breeding program to ensure a strong and healthy gene pool for the continued success of the Phalene. In 2012, Nana produced the first Grand Champion Phalene bitch, a milestone achievement for the breed. Her breeding program later produced an International FCI Champion, with another champion to follow, as well as numerous nationally ranked dogs competing in various AKC events. Her bloodlines extended beyond the United States and into Europe. Nana often credited her success to the wisdom and support of mentors and friends, and she took great pride in helping others beginning the journey that had brought her so much joy.

In addition to her parents, Nana was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Kenneth Ridgeway, and her brother, Gerald Martin.

She is survived by her loving children, Doug (Mindy) Ridgeway and Amy (Phil) Glawe; her cherished grandchildren, Colin (Rachael) Ridgeway, Sarah (Troy) Lewis, Nina Glawe, and Tyler Glawe; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Whitney Ridgeway and Grayson Ridgeway.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 11am to the time of service at 1pm at the Wilson Funeral Home, Bethesda Chapel, 322 North Main Street, Bethesda, Ohio 43719.  Pastor Ed Eberhart will be officiating.  Burial at Ebenezer Cemetery will follow.

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