Rebecca Mayhew Ridpath, 85, of Radford, passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Benny Cameron Ridpath; father, Allen Snow Mayhew; and her mother Mattie Lee Hancock Mayhew.
Becky was a loving wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. She graduated from Martinsville High School in 1956 and Radford College in 1960 with her bachelor’s degree and 1973 with her master’s degree. She had a 46-year teaching career at New River Community College and was a beloved instructor and mentor for hundreds of students throughout her career. She served students as the Phi Beta Lambda advisor and a member of the Academic Standards, Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee.
She was a member of First Baptist Church Radford for 50 years and served on various committees. She had a very generous spirit and showed empathy and genuine regard for other’s thoughts and feelings. She loved to cook and host many family gatherings. She enjoyed reading, shopping, traveling and her special treats of vanilla ice cream, nabs and Diet Cokes.
She is survived by her three sons and daughters-in-law, David and Lisa of Radford, Greg and Liza of Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Mark and Mimi of Powell, Ohio; sister, Nancy Mayhew Moss (Ric); and brother, Larry Edward Mayhew. She was blessed with six wonderful grandchildren, Maddie Decker (Justin), Marlee Barboza (Patrick), Nick Ridpath, Miller Ridpath, Abby Ridpath and Merritt Ridpath.
The family would like to especially thank all of Becky’s family and friends, as well as the many caregivers who provided care, love, and support during her illness.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, 10 a.m. to noon at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church on Third Avenue and Downey Street in Radford with Dr. Paul Lane, Reverand Todd Millsaps and Rev. Diana White officiating. The interment will follow at Sunrise Burial Park in Radford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rebecca “Becky” Ridpath scholarship fund at New River Community College. Contributions may be made online (www.nr.edu/giveonline) or by mail (New River Community College, Educational Foundation, 5251 College Drive, Dublin VA 24084). Please reference “Becky Ridpath” on your gift.
The Ridpath family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
