The Rideout family are saddened to announce the passing of Betty Jean Rideout. She died peacefully at Buchan's Hospital on September 6, 2021.  She was born in 1936 in Pilley's Island where she lived and raised her family.

She leaves to mourn her children Paul Rideout, John Rideout, Jeffrey Rideout, Lorraine Rideout Starkes (Brent), and Trudy Rideout. Grandchildren Melissa Rideout, Alisha Rideout, Brady Rideout, Steven Simms, Jane Rideout, Jacob Starkes. Great-grandchildren Anna, Kayden; Brother Max (Georgie) Rowsell.

Predeceased by her parents Ford Rowsell and Rowena (Hewlett) Rowsell; loving husband Melvin Rideout; their son gone too soon, Stephen Rideout; Sister Patricia Ryan.

Betty Jean was born and raised in Pilley's Island. Sadly she lost her mother at a young age to TB, so she became a housekeeper and a mother to her two siblings at a young age.  This surely contributed to her becoming a strong woman, yet very kind hearted.

Betty Jean was a devoted wife and mother. It was love at first sight when Melvin saw her skating on the harbour when she was just 16. They were married August 10, 1958. They had 6 children together. Betty Jean ran the house alone quite often as Melvin would be away working.  The phrase was often heard "wait till your father comes home!"

Back in the day she enjoyed sewing and knitting and attending the home league. Through the years she always attended church, she loved the Salvation Army drums and singing.  As she got older she would more likely go for a stroll in the evenings and visit someone. She was known to have a green thumb with her houseplants.  Let's just say she didn't undercook anything, but her family dearly loved coming home to mom's turkey dinner!  It was no secret she loved her Diet Pepsi and some fries and gravy, even better while watching a game show. She wasn't hard to please and she didn't complain, even through her struggles with arthritis and diabetes, she always pushed on and did what she could. Now she is at eternal rest, and still smiling.

The family would like to thank the staff at Green Bay Retirement Centre. Special thanks to the staff at the A.M. Guy Memorial Health Centre, Buchan's, their kindness and compassion will not be forgotten.

The Celebration of Life Service was held at The Salvation Army, Roberts Arm, on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Col. Sandra Rice officiating. Interment was at The Salvation Army Cemetery, Pilley's Island. The Pallbearers were; Honorary Pallbearer: Jacob Starkes (Grandson); Paul Rideout (Son), John Rideout (Son), Jeff Rideout (Son), Lorraine Rideout Starkes (Daughter), Brent Starkes (Son-in-law), Melissa Rideout (Granddaughter). Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Harry Oxford and Julia Budgell of Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale.