Lee Ann Ridoux

Lee Ann Ridoux, 49 of Carmel, passed away Thursday, January 19, 2023. She was born in Norman, OK on February 13, 1973. 

Her family eventually moved to Carmel, IN in 1986. While at Carmel High School, Lee excelled in her gift of music as a member of the nationally recognized show choir Carmel Ambassadors and earned the Sophomore Music Student of the year award. She also sang frequently at church and weddings. Lee nurtured her love of children, frequently babysitting and volunteering in the church nursery. At Indiana University Lee pursued other interests of study, but in the end she came back to her love of children. She earned a BS in Education while a member of Phi Mu sorority.

As a freshman at Indiana, Lee met her future husband Brett Ridoux. They dated through college and were married on July 29, 1995. Lee started teaching in the Memphis, TN city school system. A year later, Lee found a career in education using her two great passions, children and music. Her mom cofounded Express Kids, which used music to teach fundamental learning. Lee became the company’s first franchise owner, building a successful business in Knoxville, TN. When she and Brett moved back to Indiana Lee was corporate director, and after the birth of their first son John “Jay” Lee worked part time from home as the Express Kids corporate trainer. 

Once Jay and son Gabriel “Gabe” were born, they became Lee’s pride, joy, and main focus. She also developed several close and lasting friendships, and was active in several Christian organizations. Lee loved to cook, and was an avid reader. 

Lee returned to the classroom for the 2014-15 school year at Prairie Trace and Cherry Tree elementary schools in Carmel while pursuing a Master of Special Education. Everything was turned upside down on Lee’s 42nd birthday when she was diagnosed with stage IV inflammatory breast cancer, a rare and aggressive form with a low survival rate. Lee’s strong Christian faith, her immense love for her family, and her incredible determination drove her to fight every step of the way against overwhelming odds. Her first question whenever her oncologist visited her in the hospital was “When do I get my next chemo?”

Finally after a nearly 8-year battle, the Lord ended her suffering and brought her home.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday February 4th at 1:30 p.m. at Grace Church Noblesville, 5504 E. 146th St., where family and friends are invited to gather from 11:00 a.m.  until the time of the service at 1:30 p.m. All guests are invited to wear something in a shade of purple in honor of Lee’s near obsession with the color.

Lee is survived by her husband of over 27 years, Brett; sons, John “Jay” Ridoux and Gabriel “Gabe” Ridoux; mother, J. Elaine (Michael) Akermann; father, William B. Maxwell; step-mother, Polly Maxwell; siblings Trevor Maxwell; Angela (Mark) Johnson and Ashley (Mark) Kimbrell; and nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Church Noblesville or Hands of Hope, handsofhopein.org.