Sondra J. Ridgeway

OBITUARY: Sondra J. Ridgeway

Sondra J. Ridgeway, 74, Topeka, died Mon., Oct. 20, 2008, at The University of Kansas Medical Center. She was born Nov. 1, 1933, in Bridgeton, NJ, the daughter of Wendell and Alberta Glaspey.

Sondra's parents moved nine times for work requirements before moving to Topeka when she was in high school. Sondra married her high school sweetheart and remained in Topeka the rest of her life. She graduated from Topeka High School in 1951.

Sondra was a Captain of Commuter Airlines; an FAA Inspector; and along with her husband, she was the owner/operator of Blue Sky of Topeka, a 135 Air charter, for 26 years and retired in 2003. She earned her Private Pilot's license in 1965. She held commercial, instrument, multiengine, CFI instrument and multiengine and ATP ratings with over 5200 hours flown -- one of less than 1,000 women pilots in the world with these ratings. Sondra was a charter and life member of Northeast Kansas 99's (International organization of licensed women pilots); Chair of the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison; and served in all 99's chapter officer positions and committees since 1967.

Sondra was married to Dale Ridgeway on March 14, 1952. Dale survives. Also surviving are 4 children: Cindy Ridgeway, Pam Simecka (Gary), Steve Ridgeway (Tina) and Chris Miller (Steve); siblings: Shirley Locke (Marlin), Wendy Carbone (Frank), and W.P. Glaspey (Trisha); 5 grandchildren; and 1 great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Sat., Oct. 25, 2008, at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence. Interment in Prairie Home Cemetery. Sondra will lie in state from noon to 2:00 PM, Sat. at the funeral chapel.. Memorial contributions may be made to Amelia Earhart Museum, 223 North Terrace Street, Atchison, KS 66002.