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.
