Vera Ridgway

Ridgway, Vera M., of Wichita, Kansas, entered into eternal life on July 21, 2014, thirteen days after her 97th birthday. Born in Sallisaw, Oklahoma on July 8, 1917, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Ridgway, who passed away in 2002. She is survived by their daughters, Mary Sickler Bellow of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and her husband, Sal, and Sherry Shaw of Wichita, Kansas. Her grandchildren and their spouses are Heidi Moeder (Steve), Christopher Barnard (Teresa), Lori Pyle (Clint), Deborah Landon (Chris), Anthony Bello, Darren Shaw (Terry Wilson), Mitch Humble (Amanda), Dawn Humble, Michael Humble (Sarah). Great-grandchildren are Brennen, Grant, and Aubrey Moeder; Sydney Barnard; Noah Pyle; Lauren, Matthew, and Andrew Landon; Korbin, Trinity, and Jace Humble; Seth, Riley, Thomas, and Summer Humble; and Hunter Humble. Vera has numerous nieces and nephews as well. Vera played the piano beautifully. In their early years in Wichita, following Earls return from the war, she played the piano for their church. She taught piano as well. She and Earl made lasting friendships with people who shared their love of music. Many evenings were spent with Vera playing the piano while Earl and their friends leaned over her shoulder to sing together. Vera had two passions: children and gardening. She never tired of spending time with all the children in her life, whether she was rocking and holding a child with an earache, reading someone to sleep with special voices for the characters in the books, or “creating” with them from special clay purchased for them, to all kinds of paper projects, painting, and drawing. Everyone who visited their home was encouraged to step outside to enjoy Veras accomplishments in her yard. From the time they built their house, she planned and executed the landscaping, maintaining it lovingly. Her love of God was reflected in her care of His living things. No task was too tedious or too large. She built swings, gates, and fencing in her efforts to beautify the property. It became the center of many activities, from badminton and croquet to hosting the Kansas Authors Club of which Earl was a member. Vera had perfected her baking skills. She mailed her famous peanut butter cookies around the country to console or congratulate her special ones. Another family favorite was her lemon meringue pie. Vera was the Registrar at Southeast High School when it first opened. Later, she worked in the Research Department of USD 259 until she retired. Vera was an intelligent and charming woman who, even in her last hours of life, continued to whisper how much she loved us. One word describes her best: precious. She never refused to help someone in need. She set the standard by which this family lives. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with Botanica of Wichita, 701 Amidon St., Wichita, KS 67203. It was Veras request that there be no service. Downing Lahey East Mortuary.