Eileen Ridgeway

Eileen Ridgeway, 89, of Topeka, passed away, Tuesday, September 12, 2006.

She was born May 10, 1917 in Evanston, Indiana the daughter of Claude Carl and Mary Dessie (Smoot) Dixon.

She married Roy I. Ridgeway on October 24, 1936, who preceded her in death January 7, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her son Jerry Ridgeway and a grandson Christopher Ridgeway. Survivors include her children, Vern C. Ridgeway and his wife Rosalie, Belize, Central America; Roy D. "Butch" Ridgeway and his fiancée Arceile Combs, Tracy D. Ridgeway and his wife Glenda, and Janel Stadler and her husband Michael, all of Topeka; fifteen grandchildren and twenty seven great grandchildren.

Eileen was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She lived life fully and thought laughter was the best medicine for all ills. We miss you already.

Eileen was a member of Oakland Presbyterian Church over 60 years. She was an active member of the church choir and sang at last Sunday's service. She prepared the church flowers for many years, served as a Deacon, a member of the Adult Sunday School Class, and the Mariners. She was a former member of Moose Lodge #555 and Helena Chapter #210 Order of the Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2006 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker Price Chapel, 245 Independence Avenue.Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Mrs. Ridgeway will lie in state after 2:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home where the family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be given to Oakland Presbyterian Church, 2810 NE Thomas, Topeka, KS 66616. To leave a message for the family please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.