Private family graveside services for Mary Merlene Ridgeway Patchen Avery, 94, Lawrence, are planned. Merlene passed peacefully on Saturday, November 14, 2020, with family at her side.
She was born September 14, 1926, in Tonganoxie, Kan., the daughter of Merle Glen and Mary Mable Gallagher Ridgeway. She was a homemaker and provided child care in her home for many prominent Lawrence families. She was a member of West Side Presbyterian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star.
Merlene married Harold Eugene Patchen in 1944. He preceded her in death in 1957. She later married Melvin Dale Avery in 1974. He preceded her in death in 1994. She was also preceded in death by a son, Steven Patchen, a sister, Joanne Powell, three brothers, Willard Ridgeway, Wayne Ridgeway, and Damon Ridgeway, and a step brother, Richard Avery.
Survivors include a son, Mike Patchen and wife Sandy, Lawrence; a daughter, Mary Beth Rooney, Lawrence; a step son, Gary Avery and wife Rita, Lawrence; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lawrence Humane Society.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and family in this time of loss. She was a great lady and will be missed!
Thoughts and Prayers to Marys Family and Friends. She was like a Second Mother to all us kids growing up
How very, very sad. But we all know she’s in a better place now and will be truly missed. She had a loooong life, and always knew she was loved to pieces.
Hugs and kisses to all,
Kendall
I am so sorry to hear about Merlene’s passing. She was a great neighbor to my family for many, many years. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
To Mike ,Sandy,& Mary we are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I have good memories of your mom from when we were growing up. We will keep you in our thoughts.
Great woman! I will always remember her kindness. My wife Michelle Wasson and I send are heartfelt condolences to all family and friends. That the trials of your faith, being much more than of gold that perisheth, though it may be tried by fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Christ. Peter 1:7
Our prayers are with the whole family. We were privileged to know this wonderful lady. Heaven has truly gained a star.
Meme, the 4 Mary’s will never be the same! Love forever and beyond!
I’m so sorry for the loss of Merlene. She was our neighbor and friend. She was always so kind to me and our family. Hugs and prayers to the family. I will always remember the good times playing games and having fun with your family.
Merlene’s family : This was a shock to me and so sorry to hear about he passing. Time just keep moving on for all of us. She always like to have kids around to keep her young. For Mike, Sandy and Mary Beth , I’m sorry I can not be there for you guys , We are in south Texas for the winter. Love you all Ron and Helen
I am so sorry for your loss. Marlene was always very kind to me and her door was always open.
I have very fond memories of her.
Praying for you all.
Merlene was my best friend and neighbor when we lived in Lawrence. Years later after we moved, she still wrote me occasional lovely letters to keep me up on what was going on. I will remember her has a very independent, take-charge woman. She was very devoted to family, and she loved animals — she always had a menagerie of rescued dogs and cats in her house. I will never forget her.
Mike, Sandy and Mary Beth. I’m so sorry to hear about Merlene’s passing. So many memories when we were kids growing up in Lawrence. She lived a full life with so many people and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.