Jerry Lee Ridley

Jerry Lee Ridley, born in Pocatello, Idaho, on February 19, 1955, passed away on January 30, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, and humor. Jerry departed this world surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, mother, and enough love to fill countless lifetimes.

While many knew Jerry as a successful businessman, he would have been the first to tell you that his proudest titles were husband, father, and grandfather and his greatest achievements were as a loving husband, doting dad, and ultimate grandpa. 

Born to Don and Anita Ridley, Jerry grew up in Pocatello, where he perfected his work ethic and quick wit. His career began at Safeway, where he earned the title of youngest store manager in the company’s history (verified) and also its best-looking (unverified, but repeatedly asserted by Jerry himself).

On May 24, 1974, Jerry married Connie Reed, the love of his life and his partner on every adventure. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Jamie, in 1976. Apparently not entirely satisfied with their first try, they had a son Mark two years later which appears to have made them feel much more fulfilled than their first attempt (at least according to the writer of this obituary).

In 1984, Jerry and Connie took a leap of faith and entered the grocery business on their own, opening a grocery store they named Ridley’s Foodliner. Their first store, a modest 11,000-square-foot store in Payson, Utah, became the start of what would become Ridley’s Family Markets—a thriving company now employing thousands of incredible people and serving communities across the Intermountain West. Jerry was fiercely proud of what he and Connie built, but he was always clear: business always came second to family. He and Connie's professional success, no matter how impressive, was just the icing on the cake to a successful life lived in the right way and lived well.

Jerry was a kind and generous man who made everyone feel valued—whether they were family, friends, Ridley’s team members, or customers. His relationships with his Ridley’s team were some of his closest and most cherished. When Jerry called them “family,” it wasn’t just a word. He meant it. His loyalty, gratitude, and appreciation for those around him were evident through countless acts of generosity, most often done quietly and without recognition.

After a courageous two-year battle with ALS, Jerry left this world on his own terms. On Tuesday, he decided to return home from the hospital under hospice care. On Wednesday, he was still in action, listening in on company meetings, giving feedback with his same charismatic wit. By Thursday morning, he went to be with the Lord and those that left before him, leaving those around him smiling through tears with one of his final quips: “It’s my time to go. You all have shit to do and need to get back to work.”

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Connie; his children, Jamie (Scott) and Mark (Kelly); his cherished grandchildren; his beloved mother, Anita; and a large extended family. He is now reunited with those who passed before him, including his brother Mark and his father Don, both of whom he lost in childhood. When he reunited with them on Thursday morning, there’s no doubt he picked up right where they left off, being the loving and witty smart-ass that we all knew and adored.

Jerry Lee Ridley will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and steadfast love of family and friends. He was truly one of a kind—a devoted husband, caring father, proud grandpa, and the most magnetic presence in any room. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and endlessly quoted. His legacy of love and laughter lives on in his family, his work, and the countless lives he touched along the way. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the College of Southern Idaho's Fine Arts Center Auditorium, located at 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, Idaho. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the ALS Association in Jerry’s name, in hopes of finding a cure for this disease. Donations can be made at www.als.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Jerry’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.