Claire Renee Ridgway, Age: 29
Jan 02, 1997---Oct 05, 2026

Claire Renee Ridgway, our beloved daughter, left us far too soon on October 5, 20262026, at the age of 29. For years, with all her strength, Claire fought a long and courageous battle with anxiety and depression.

Claire grew up in Mission Hills, KS attending Prairie Elementary School, Indian Hills Middle School and Shawnee Mission East High School, graduating in 2015. 

Claire’s spirited personality shone through early in life. She always brought joy and laughter to those around her. A beautiful example of her unique spirit was the year she decided to be a princess for Halloween but also insisted on carrying a Power Rangers sword.

Claire pursued new passions with great enthusiasm. In middle and high school, she loved swimming and diving and was especially proud of her work helping to produce her senior yearbook. Then, driven by a desire to understand and help others, she earned a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2018 graduating Magna Cum Laude. 

Following graduation, Claire cared for others by working in various aspects of healthcare. She was passionate about defending and helping marginalized people and stood against discrimination in all its forms. She loved her friends, her family and her dog, Peach, fiercely and loyally.

She is survived by her parents Leah (Dooley) and Louis Ernest Ridgway III; her brother, Louis Ernest Ridgway IV, sister-in-law, Bethany Pettipher and nephew Julian; her grandfather, Larry Dooley; grandmothers, Barbara Dooley, Helen Ridgway, and Debbie Dooley; as well as a large extended family who deeply mourn her passing. She is predeceased by her grandfathers Louis Ernest Ridgway, Jr. and Herbert A. Kroeze and her grandmother Barbara Newman Kroeze.

A celebration of Claire’s life will be held at St John’s Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway, KC, MO 64113 on October 24th at 11:00. Visitation will begin at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to support the Behavioral Health Campaign at Advent Health. Please mail donations to AdventHealth Foundation 7315 E. Frontage Road, Suite 221, Merriam, KS 66204 or contribute on lineonline at adventhealthkcfoundation.com/behavioral-health

 


Condolences

William varner Oct 09, 2026

I am very sorry for your loss on a beautiful lady she went to the same prairie school Indiana hills junior high and Shawnee mission east high school well I went to the same school that she did

Lisa Hays Oct 09, 2026

Friend

Leah and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Lisa Hays

Mark and Melanie Evans Oct 10, 2026

Cousin ,Columbia ,Tennessee

Sending you all love and strength during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Linda Harvey Oct 10, 2026

A friends mother (Shelby Harvey Halderman ) ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I was devastated to hear of Claire”s passing. Claire is a beautiful person both inside and out and I so enjoyed the times when I would get to see her. Whether it was car rides for her, my daughter, Shelby, and other friends to and from movies or shopping or school events. My heart goes out to all of Claire’s family and friends. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.

Heather Hill Oct 10, 2026

Coworker ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I have only known Claire for a couple of months but it has felt like much longer. She has a way of connecting with people so authentically you feel like you’ve been friends forever. Her energy and fun will be missed at work. Deeply sorry to her family and friends for the loss of this beautiful soul.

Wendyivers1963@gmail.com Oct 10, 2026

Bonus Mom ,Ormond Beach ,Florida

There are no words…. My Claire was effervescent, kind, generous, fierce and thoughtful. So much goodness in one person is rare. I had the privilege of spending many years at the Ridgways household. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I gained a second family. May Claire’s peace love and light surround us and sustain us… Blessings, My Wendy as Claire called me. I will always honor your spirit.

Toni Clark Oct 11, 2026

I was so sad to hear of Claire’s passing. I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and heart are with you and your family during this unimaginably difficult time.

Elton and Dr. Phaedra Lombard Oct 11, 2026

To Lewis, Leah, and family. My heart breaks for your loss. I did not know Claire, but it sounds like the world was blessed to have experienced her beautiful light.

Michele Griffith Oct 11, 2026

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

I’m so sorry for your loss. Claire and Katie were such besties back in their preschool days at Village Church and beyond. So many fun memories while playing at your house and mine. Our thoughts are with you and your family

Margo Hellman Oct 12, 2026

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I’m so sorry to hear of Claire’s passing. Claire and I worked many late nights to complete the senior yearbook alongside other teammates. She always remained such a bright light during those dark, daunting deadlines. I will always remember her caring spirit and one of a kind laugh. My prayers go out to everyone who loved her.

Lilah Wilder Oct 12, 2026

High school classmate ,Kansas

I am so sorry to hear about Claire’s passing and send my heartfelt condolences to her family. Although Claire and I parted ways after high school, I can still remember her infectious and bubbly laugh from our days as high school classmates. I know she will live on through so many of our happy memories of her.

Monica Oct 14, 2026

I will always remember Claire and her energetic and courteous personality. I remember when she was younger and would come to the office, she always wanted to find things of interest to look at under the microscope. The office counted on her every year to get our supply of Girl Scout cookies. Through the years, I loved hearing about her many accomplishments. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr Ridgway and her family during this very difficult time.

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