A celebration of life for Robert W. Ridgway, 89, Lawrence, will be at 11:00 AM Wednesday at Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Drive in Lawrence. The service will be preceded by visitation with the family beginning at 10:00 AM.
Dr. Ridgway died Monday, March 11, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Bob was born December 19, 1923 in Emporia, Kansas. He graduated from Baldwin High School in 1941 and earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Baker University in Baldwin. He moved with his family to Lawrence in 1953, where he earned Master’s and Doctorate Degrees in Education from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Ridgway served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was awarded a Purple Heart after suffering an injury during the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium.
He married Evelyn Warner on June 7, 1944 in Baldwin. Bob and Evelyn raised their four children to adulthood before she preceded him in death. He married Mary K Palmquist on April 1, 1983. She survives of the home.
Other survivors and their spouses are Susie and Dale Deere, Lake Waukomis, Missouri; Steve and Emily Ridgway, Palo Alto, California; Cathy and Dick Johnson, Leawood, Kansas; Dave and Dagmar Ridgway, Branford, Connecticut; and seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three stepchildren.
The family suggests memorials to the Presbyterian Manor, Good Samaritan Fund, Lawrence.
Dear Steve and family-So very sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. I always remember reading the nice article I sent you about your father and his influence on me with his friend and my neighbor, George Anderson in the Education Department. Family and friends give us support as do the blessed memories. God Bless & Love from our family to yours.
Steve, My condolences to you and your family. I did not know your father or others in your family, but knowing you for all the years since Cordley, I am sure he was a exemplary man whose legacy and enduring presence in the lives of those who did know him will continue to inspire. May God’s blessings be with you in the months and years to come, and may your sadness at his passing quickly be overshadowed by sustaining smiles and fond memories. Sincerely, Tom in Florida
Dear Steve, Susie and family,
We are so sorry we won’t be there tomorrow for the celebration of your father’s life. We send our love and sympathy to you all during this difficult time.
I remember your dad so well! He was such an imposing figure to me whenever he answered the phone or your door while we were in high school. Scared me to death, but I’d bet he was really a big “softie”.
Cherish the stories and memories as you celebrate the life of a great man!
Fondly, Janice (Altenbernd)
We wanted to relay our sympathy to you Steve and your family..so sorry for your loss. I just found out about your dad from my mother who is at Presbyterian Manor..I have been in Arizona visiting our daughter, Laurie. Please know that our prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Patti (Funston)
Steve Ridgway and Family:
I express my condolence to you and your family in the loss of your father. Peace and Blessings,
Paula Winn
Steve,
How blessed we are to have been raised by strong, principled, KU faculty dads (and super moms)! I prayerfull support you and your family in your time of loss, but am assured, with you, that your dad is in a much better place–now absorbing new dimensions of knowledge, understanding, fellowship and love.
Rejoice, my friend!
Roy Browne
Steve—-so sorry for your loss. These times are never easy but the memories never go away. Cherish all the memories my friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Love, Nancy and Bernie
Dave
We are so sorry sorry for the loss of your Dad. You and your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Love, Gene & Marlowe
To the Ridgeway family: We are saddened to hear of your loss, our thoughts are with you in this most difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Mary K., Susie, Cathy and all the family. I will miss talking to and visiting Bob. He was a truly remarkable man. I was privileged to have known him. You are all in my prayers.
Steve and Emily,
My prayers and thoughts are with you during
this time. Dee Oliver Jerome
Dave, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave we are so sorry about your dad ,Our prayers are with you and your family.