Clara Mae Ridout

Clara Mae Ridout February 20, 1934---December 28, 2022 Mom passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, at the home of her daughter Brenda Erickson. She was preceded in death by Dad (Chester), who passed away at her home on October 30th. Mom and Dad have been living at Brenda's home since the fall of 2019. Mom was diagnosed with Parkinson's several years ago. Dad, at age 93 needed additional help to tend to her increasing needs. Brenda took on this role as a fulltime caregiver and gave them both the best care possible in their final few years. It was not a surprise to us they both passed so close in time to each other. They were in love together for more than 68 years and took care of each other's needs. Dad passed at age 96, and Mom, shortly afterwards, no longer having the strength to continue fighting her battle. This is a true love story between two wonderful people that were together for many years, and then pass so close together. Clara Mae was born in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin to Edward Jasicki, and Agnes (Zebro). Clara Mae, and her 4 siblings lived on a farm just off Highway 8 a few miles west of Weyerhaeuser. She attended and graduated from high school in Weyerhaeuser in 1952. She was homecoming queen her senior year. A short time later she met Chet. They were married in July 1954 in a double wedding with Mom's sister Donna, and George (Pudge) Weyek. Mom and Dad moved to NE Minneapolis into half of a rental duplex. Dad was hired at Minnegasco gas company, and Mom worked full time as a bookkeeper at Munsingwear Inc. This company was one of the largest employers of women in the state of Minnesota. Munsingwear produced, and still makes clothing with the Penguin logo. Her ability to balance the books to the penny was never lost, and she shared this knowledge with all 4 of us Kids. She had the amazing patience to help balance our check books. We now appreciate her teaching us that skill. Gary was born in 1955, and Randy in 1956. In 1958 mom and dad purchased a home to be built in a new suburb in Coon Rapids. Brenda was born in 1959, and Jeff was born in 1961. Mom left her fulltime job at Munsingwear, and took on the fulltime job of raising 4 kids, and managing the home while Dad worked. Our home was kept very neat, and clean. Dinner was always on the table at 5:00 sharp. She taught us all the basic skills of how to clean house, make beds, cook, wash, fold, and iron clothes etc. We reluctantly did these these chores at the time. Not until after we were out of the house, and starting our own families did we begin to fully appreciate that she really taught us that a clean, and organized home helps create a little peace, and harmony in a chaotic world around us. The role of a fulltime Mom with 4 children is an exhausting job, and somehow, she did an amazing-wonderful job. When she asked us to do our chores, she meant it. We understood, and did not ask a lot of questions. She showed patience, and tolerance when things were not done immediately, or right. She was firm, but firm with love. We again learned a lesson that setting boundaries, and following rules is an important life lesson as an adult, and a lesson to pass on to our own children. Mom made sure every Sunday was a special day. She started the day earlier than normal to begin preparing a special Sunday meal. We never missed Sunday at church, and when we came home the house was filled with the aroma of a hotdish, roast, chicken or turkey in the oven. The radio, or records were on the stereo, and we listened to a variety of country western, polka, and music from the 40's-50's and 60's. We learned to appreciate a wide variety of music other than what was current, and popular. Mom had a sense of humor, and a good laugh. As young kids we occasionally would overhear her phone conversations with her sister Sandy, and past sister Donna. They were very good friends, and we would hear the loud laughter during the conversation. They always seem to find some humor in things that may not have seemed funny to them at the time, but laughed about them later. We learned life was not always to be taken too seriously. After Dad retired, they purchased an RV, and for a few years were snowbirds in Arizona. Mom enjoyed the change of scenery and weather for a few months, but family was important to her. She missed being away from home especially during the Christmas season. They eventually sold the RV and stayed home during the winter months. Mom, and Dad liked to fish, and they enjoyed the quite solitude together. Dad, who could do just about anything, made sure Mom was comfortable. For instance, a holder for an umbrella to help shade her from the sun was just one of them. Moms' sister Sandy, and her husband Larry invited them to spend more time during the summer at their lake home in Wisconsin. That did not take a lot of convincing to make that happen. They were good friends and enjoyed the time together. Mom and Dad eventually purchased a travel trailer and parked it next to their lake home for several years. They were now official summer residents, or as they all joked, they were really squatters. Mom, and Dad had very good voices, and we often heard them sing together. They did not practice but could sing many songs and harmonize. Mom, and Dad also danced very well, and could move together like one person. A short time ago, we were at Brenda's. Mom was feeling better than most days. We had music playing, and Mom dragged Dad to the small front entryway, and they danced to a slow country western song, and a waltz. They were also singing the song together as they danced. We recorded a short video of them that day on our phone. We see that through all the years in good times, and bad they loved each other until their final days. A real, and true love story..... Mom leaves all of us behind with fond memories. She was a strong woman, a very loving wife, and mother who cared more about others than herself. She will be missed, but her love, and life lessons will live on with each of us forever. Clara Mae is survived by her children Gary, Randy (Cheryl), Brenda Erickson, and Jeff. 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, brother Jim Jasicki (Donna), sister Sandra Antczak (Larry) sister in-law Audrey Jasicki, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, and 2 siblings. Donna Weyek (George) Arnold Jasicki. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at the Church of the Epiphany, 11001 Hanson Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids. Visitation one hour prior to Mass at Church. Interment Epiphany Cemetery. Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000

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Clara Mae Ridout

February 20, 1934 - December 28, 2022

Tributes

Clara Mae Ridout

February 20, 1934 - December 28, 2022

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