Richard Avis Ridgway, 89, a retired chief operator for Monsanto Corp., where he worked for 20 years, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2007 at Durham Regional Hospital in Durham. He was born May 14, 1917 in South Harrison Township, N.J., the son of Albert and Martha (Avis) Ridgway.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine Ridgway; his son, Richard Ridgway; his daughter, Avis R. Kneller; his son, Ronald Ridgway; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Ridgway, his mother, Martha Ridgway and his son Robert John Ridgway.

Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Mullica Monthly Meeting, P.O. Box 67, Mullica Hill, NJ 08062. Services will be held in the Friends Meeting House, Mullica Hill, NJ.

Arrangements are entrusted to Apex Funeral Home, 550 W. Williams St., Apex, and condolences may be made at www.apexfuneral.com.