Michel Eric Ridings

Michel Eric Ridings, 51, of Murphysboro, IL, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, January 15, 2023, at his residence.

Michel was born on September 19, 1972, to Marilyn K. (Baker) Ridings and Thomas E. Ridings in Jackson, Mississippi. Michel led a challenging life with a struggle to communicate with the outside world. After proper diagnosis, his mom taught him to communicate using American Sign Language (ASL) beginning at age 2. He briefly attended the Illinois School for the Deaf in Jacksonville and later, graduated from the Marion School for the Deaf. He was loved dearly by his family and will be greatly missed.

Michel was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn K and Thomas D Thompson, an infant sister, Crystal Lynn Ridings, his grandparents Don and Mary Baker and Winifred Thompson.

He is survived by brothers, Mark  (Chris) Ridings of Elizabethton, TN, John (Deb) Thompson of Wilmington, MA; sisters, LaDonna (Barry) Smoot of Marion, IL, Dana (Dean Amsden) Ridings of Elizabethtown, KY, and Jill (Chuck) Siefert of Du Quoin, IL.

Michel will be cremated, followed by a private family service at a later date.

In lieu of cards/flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Illinois School for the Deaf, 125 S. Webster Ave, Jacksonville, IL 62650.

Professional Services were entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, IL.