OBITUARIES
Carol Ann Franz (Ridgeway) 1934-2021 Carol Ann Franz (Ridgeway) was born in Chicago, Illinois, on Oct. 1, 1934, to Margaret Helen Klass and Milton John Ridgeway. She had one sibling, her brother Dale Ridgeway. She died at the age of 86 on March 14 in Seal Beach.
She lived in the Chicago area most of her life, raised five accomplished children there, then earned a bachelor of arts degree. She worked for the College Board, in social services for the village of Skokie, and founded an Astrology resource center and book store.
She moved to Leisure World in 1997 and was heavily involved in the community. She served on the Mutual 2 Board and worked tirelessly to ensure transparency in Leisure World’s financial records so they could be accessible to all shareholders.
After moving to Seal Beach, she volunteered for 10 years at the Orange County Legal Aid Society. She also testified before the California Supreme Court regarding small claims court. Carol was an activist for many great causes and social issues throughout her life. Her intellectual curiosity led her to numerous travels in the U.S. and abroad. She very much enjoyed ballroom dancing and was a fabulous dancer!
Carol is a beloved mother survived by Ellen Franz Wallace, Susan Franz Andrese, Karen (Dale) Henchel, Daniel (Marcia) Franz and Thomas (Kris) Franz. She was the loving grandmother of Todd, Curtis, Scott, Ross, Melissa, Tyler, Kirk, Jordan, Haley, Andrew, Braden and Katherine and the great-grandmother of Sierra, Elizabeth, Carson, Brooks, Colton and Leo.
A private service with children and grandchildren will be held at a later date.
