Joyce Lillian Ridgeway

May 17, 1939 - July 24, 2025

Joyce passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in Blue Springs, Missouri on July 24, 2025 at The Parkway Senior Living Center. She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on May 17th, 1939. She was the daughter of Eva Lillian Wooten and Wesley Harold Nichols.

Joyce married her beloved Stanley Ridgeway in 1955, in Wichita, Kansas beginning a loving partnership that would span decades. While Stanley was deployed, she welcomed their firstborn daughter, Evelyn, in Wichita, Kansas. Sons Bradley and Michael soon followed, completing their cherished family.

She lived the majority of her life in Wichita where her and Stanley raised their children until later in life when she moved to Independence, Missouri where her daughter lives. She was a valued employee at St Joseph Hospital in Wichita where she was a CNA and Unit Secretary until she retired after 45 years.

A women of remarkable character, Joyce embodied generosity, compassion and unwavering strength. Those fortunate enough to know her will forever remember her infectious laugh, radiant spirit, determined spirit, and delightful sense of humor. She knew no stranger. She was a master secret-keeper and could be wonderfully ornery when the mood struck her which was quite often, traits that only endeared her more to family and friends.

Joyce found joy in life’s simple pleasures: gathering with loved ones, her faith community at church, volunteering at Englewood Church and extending help to anyone in need. She was an avid reader who delighted in mystery and suspense films, particularly The Twilight Zone. Her love of dogs was matched only by her affection for diet Dr Pepper, lemonade, chocolate candy, popcorn and Twizzlers. Above all else, Joyce possessed an extraordinary gift of giving in all aspects. Her generosity touched countless lives and and inspired all who witnessed her selfless spirit.

Joyce is lovingly remembered by her children, Evelyn Cobb (Glen Cobb) and Michael Ridgeway (Alice Ridgeway). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Jason, Jordan, Tim and Logan (children of Evelyn); Sarah, Trisha, Rebecca and Steve (children of Bradley); Jessica and Jake (children of Michael). She was blessed with many great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Stanley Dean Ridgeway, her parents, her only sibling Darlene McCoy, her great grand daughter Jessica Ridgeway and her son, Bradley Ridgeway. She is now joyfully reunited with those that she loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 at Englewood Church which is located at: 10628 E Winner Rd, Independence, MO 64052. Vistation - 10am - 11am Service - 11am - 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to: Englewood Church Kingdom builders/missions.