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Pastor Rosa (Rose) Butler Ridgell passed away peacefully May 30, 2011 in Little Rock, AR surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren. Rose was born and raised in Dermott, AR. She graduated from Drew Central High School. Rosa accepted Christ and joined Sweet Hope Missionary Baptist Church and was a faithful member for many years. Rosa accepted her calling to the ministry in 1996 joining Oak Grove A.M.E. Zion Church where she later became pastor and served for several years until her health no longer permitted. Still determined to serve Christ Rose joined New Bethel of Winchester, AR on September 12, 2010.
Rose was born April 19, 1957 to the late Varthur Butler and Alberta Williams Butler. She was preceded in death by her husband Wallace Ridgell, one step-daughter, Linda A. Ridgell, three sisters, Judy Barnes Merritt, Jane Barnes, Tranie M. Barnes, two brothers, J.T. Williams, and Willie Troutman.
She leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Andrea Ridgell of Little Rock, AR, two sons Jerman (Nicole) Butler of Selma, AR, Reginald (Patricia) Ridgell of Little Rock, AR. Also mourning her passing are her precious grandchildren: Javion Butler, Tristan Butler, Trinity Butler, Austin Ridgell, Emily Ridgell, and Olivia Ridgell; her sisters Eddie Mae Butler, Jewel (Willie) Taylor, Charledean (Frank) Daniels, Lexia (Curtis) Lucas; five brothers, J.B. (DeLois) Butler, Jimmy Butler, Richard (Brenda) Barnes, Edward Butler, Joe (Kishanna) Butler and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
In addition to being a great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Rose enjoyed cooking, fishing, talking on the phone, reading the Bible, and ministering to all within her voice. Rose took every advantage to tell the story of the Lord to both her family and friends alike. Even in illness Rose remained passionate about her calling and was not deterred from her life’s mission of serving God. Often times, she could be heard on the phone or in conversation referring to God “That’s my MAN!” Rose displayed her acts of love through kindness, prayer, and with her time spent with those closest to her. Rarely seen without a smile, Rose counted it as a privilege to be given an opportunity to share the Story of her Savior Jesus Christ.
Rose was born April 19, 1957 to the late Varthur Butler and Alberta Williams Butler. She was preceded in death by her husband Wallace Ridgell, one step-daughter, Linda A. Ridgell, three sisters, Judy Barnes Merritt, Jane Barnes, Tranie M. Barnes, two brothers, J.T. Williams, and Willie Troutman.
She leaves to cherish her memories one daughter, Andrea Ridgell of Little Rock, AR, two sons Jerman (Nicole) Butler of Selma, AR, Reginald (Patricia) Ridgell of Little Rock, AR. Also mourning her passing are her precious grandchildren: Javion Butler, Tristan Butler, Trinity Butler, Austin Ridgell, Emily Ridgell, and Olivia Ridgell; her sisters Eddie Mae Butler, Jewel (Willie) Taylor, Charledean (Frank) Daniels, Lexia (Curtis) Lucas; five brothers, J.B. (DeLois) Butler, Jimmy Butler, Richard (Brenda) Barnes, Edward Butler, Joe (Kishanna) Butler and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
In addition to being a great mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Rose enjoyed cooking, fishing, talking on the phone, reading the Bible, and ministering to all within her voice. Rose took every advantage to tell the story of the Lord to both her family and friends alike. Even in illness Rose remained passionate about her calling and was not deterred from her life’s mission of serving God. Often times, she could be heard on the phone or in conversation referring to God “That’s my MAN!” Rose displayed her acts of love through kindness, prayer, and with her time spent with those closest to her. Rarely seen without a smile, Rose counted it as a privilege to be given an opportunity to share the Story of her Savior Jesus Christ.