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Rosella Ridge Binkley Roberts                  Send flowers

Services: There will be a 3:30 pm message from Pastor Deb Moreland during the Departure Celebration on Saturday August 22, 2026, followed by an opportunity for those who wish to share thoughts and remembrances at the podium with attendees.

Visitation: Departure Celebration and open house, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm August 22, 2026 at Rose’s former residence, 109 Elm Street Prospect Ohio 43342 Add to Google Calendar

(Information about attending the Departure Celebration appear below, after the text of the obituary) The very special Rosella Ridge Binkley departed August 2, 2026. She was very active, and served so many, until the last few months when she declined quickly, lost full lung function, and decided to move on, playing hymns in the ICU and entertaining and loving all her assembled loved ones and newly made friends in the hospital at the age of 82. Born February 27th, 1944 in Marion County to Park and Jane (Wasserbeck) Ridge. After the untimely death of Rose’s father, Park, when she was three years old, followed, a few years later, by the death of an aunt, Mary Jane (Cramer) Ridge, her mother, Jane (Wasserbeck), married Paul Ridge, widower of Mary Jane (Cramer) and brother of Park. From then on, the new family was Rose, her older sister Robin, and the children of Paul Ridge, now her sisters, Kaatje and Kathie. The six of them created a new family together, and a wonderful home, where the four girls thrived and were expertly and lovingly nurtured by their parents, Paul and Jane Ridge. The Ridge Haus was a haven for all of the family and for many others. We were all deeply blessed by those years and hours of bliss! Rose attended Northwestern schools, and she and her sisters sang together, throughout central Ohio, as the Ridge Sisters, beginning in about 1955. They sang sacred and popular songs and made a recording on vinyl in New York, New York in 1961. A lifelong devotee of music, Rose studied piano and voice in Columbus Ohio, New York City, and at Findlay College. At nineteen she married David Binkley, whom she had met at Findlay College. They eventually landed in Toledo Ohio, where they birthed and raised their three sons, Mark, Paul and Evan. David’s parents were in ministry in the Church of God, and David and Rose and children were always involved in local Christian congregations in the Toledo area. Rose spent many hours organizing and leading children's choirs, bell choirs, church musicals, vacation bible schools, and she played piano and organ for countless church and other services, and events over many, many years. Eventually, Rose moved to central Ohio to be closer to her children, grandchildren and sisters. Here she continued to make lifelong friendships and relationships (She married and spent many years with Richard Roberts in Prospect Ohio until his death) and to share her loving spirit with so many people she enjoyed, including many who were in need. She was a grandmother and mother to many who needed one, even if they were not family by birth. Always creative and working with her hands, she was a prolific stained-glass artist, and there were endless sewing and decorating projects. Christmases at Rose’s house were beautiful and joyful! We always looked forward to the fun and food we would have when all the children and grandchildren gathered at Grandma’s house! She baked hundreds of pies for the Lions Club, and cookies and zucchini bread for grandchildren and friends. She was known for her collections of American flags, old dolls, musical instruments, rabbits, and World War II memorabilia, including from the service of her father, Paul Ridge, who navigated many bomber missions over Europe during the height of that war. Her greatest joy was sharing her talents and planning special events with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and so many friends! Lately, while living in Prospect Ohio, Rose was in community with the Prospect Baptist Church, St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Community Christian Fellowship, the Lions Club and other local groups. In her later years, and until her departure, John Crouse was a constant companion and helper to Rose. The family is forever grateful to John for his loving care, and for his ongoing devotion, expressed with feeling and with diligence, in handling Rose’s affairs. This is a great help and comfort to us! Our mother, Rose, will be remembered fondly by us, and by countless people that we may never even know, and her model of love, joy, service, kindness and creativity, and her bright spirit, will be a light to us eternally! …and the cookies, oh the cookies!!! Rose’s loved ones still here: Three lovely sisters Three beloved sons Seven amazing grandchildren One recent loving companion Many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many other family members and friends! Details of Rose’s Departure Celebration: All are invited to the Departure Celebration and open house, 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm August 22, 2026 at Rose’s former residence, 109 Elm Street Prospect Ohio 43342. There will be a 3:30 pm message from Pastor Deb Moreland of Prospect Baptist Church, followed by an opportunity for those who wish to share thoughts and remembrances at the podium with attendees. Pizza, hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided as well as water and soft drinks. Feel free to bring a dish, dessert or drinks to share, but please do not feel obliged to do so. An arrival drop-off area for guests will be available on the street at the front of the house. Parking will be available at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, on the street and likely other nearby lots. Please inquire with event staff on your arrival about parking options. This will be an outdoor celebration, so please dress accordingly. Walking surfaces will be the floors of the house and the event proceedings will take place in the yard behind the house, which is grass. Tents and seating will be available. Portable restroom facilities will be on site. The house will be open for shelter if needed. Please do not use the bathroom in the house. The home kitchen and refrigerator (standard home unit) will be accessible. It is our intention, with the spirit of our mother in mind, to have a joyful, fun, relaxed gathering, where we can spend time and share our love for Rose with one another. Please bring your stories and memories, and share them with everyone, or with anyone who will listen! If you want to cry, cry. If you want to laugh, laugh! If you know Rose, you know that this is what she will enjoy, more than anything! Questions can be directed, via email, to: jonahsaquarium@gmail.com Or text message to 614-723-9082 Please state your name and the purpose of your inquiry when making contact. Thank you! Mark, Paul and Evan Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com Florist Login

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