RIDLEY, Polly Dillon. Age 75 of Murfreesboro. Passed away July 12, 2010 at Saint Thomas Hospital after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Allison Ridley; sons James Allison (Alicia) Ridley V and Read Williams Ridley, both of Nashville; grandchildren Katharine Dillon Ridley and James Allison Ridley VI; sister Nancy Dillon (Lee) Howes of Rockport, Texas; and many, many friends and relatives. A lifelong resident of Murfreesboro, she was noted for her kindness and generosity to her church, community and friends. She attended Sullins College in Bristol, Va., and Middle Tennessee State University before graduating from Baylor University in Waco, Texas with a degree in sociology. She worked for a number of years for the Tennessee Dept. of Welfare, achieving the position of senior welfare worker before leaving to devote her time to her family. She later served for more than 20 years as office manager for Castelli Designs in Murfreesboro. Her spare time was spent with numerous civic, church and charity organizations, including her beloved First Baptist Church, where she was a member for more than 70 years and regularly attended Mrs. Eugene Coteys Sunday school class. She was a member of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA), where she organized The Pilgrimage, a successful two-day tour of historic Rutherford County homes, and was honored last year for her outstanding contributions. She worked many years for the Oaklands Historic House Museum, serving as regent and a longtime member of the board of trustees. She was a former president of the Murfreesboro Charity Circle, where her term as an active member spanned five decades. With her husband Jim, she was one of the founders of the Murfreesboro Little Theatre and an active participant for many years (though not on stage, she would have added quickly). She was a member of the Rutherford County Historical Society and a past supporter of the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra. An avid reader and bridge player, she enjoyed meetings with her monthly bridge club for more than 50 years. But her lasting devotion was to her family and grandchildren, who delighted in her cooking and company every week at Sunday dinner. Services will be held at First Baptist Church in Murfreesboro 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, with visitation preceding at 9 a.m. in the chapel. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Paul Abernathy, Gordon Bell, Larry J. Castelli, Dicken Kidwell, James Manning, Martin McCullough, John Murphy, Charles Ralston and Col. Robert L. White. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Oaklands Association, P.O. Box 432, Murfreesboro, TN 37133-0432, or to the First Baptist Church Building Fund. Woodfin Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. www.woodfinchapel.com (615) 893-5151.