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