Margaret Anne "Peggy" Ridgway

GREENSBORO — Margaret Anne "Peggy" (Warner) Ridgway passed away peacefully at her Greensboro, North Carolina home on Tuesday, July 8, 2008.

A service of celebration and resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 11, at West Market Street United Methodist Church in Greensboro.

Born in Cambridge, Ohio, on August 29, 1935, Ms. Ridgway lived much of her adult life in Camdenton, Missouri. She also lived in the Kansas City area, as well as Cleveland, Ohio, before moving to Greensboro. A lifelong community activist, she served as PTA president in the Camdenton school system, and founded the Girl Scouts there, as well as the Red Cross swimming program, teaching hundreds of children to swim. She led successful community efforts to pass ballot initiatives funding the establishment of Camdenton's city park, the construction of a new school, and the regional hospital.

A woman of extraordinary energy and determination, she returned to school at the age of 39, commuting 90 miles each way three times a week to earn her Bachelors in Political Science from the University of Missouri- Columbia in 1978. She later became a professional development officer specializing in planned giving, and engaged in fund-raising for causes related to children and health care, for institutions including the American Cancer Society, the Campfire Girls, Crittenton Center, Spofford Home, University of Kansas Medical Center, Judson Retirement Community, and Niles Home for Children.

Her passions included her family, the arts (particularly foreign and independent films), museums, politics and foreign affairs, entertaining, gardening, bird watching and volunteer work. She was known and loved for her humor, her loving spirit and her frozen fruit salad.

She is survived by her children, Delissa A. Ridgway of New York City, Deborah K. Ridgeway of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dana Ridgway Slavin of Brashear, Missouri, Kenneth D. Ridgeway, of Kansas City, Missouri and Diane Ridgway-Cross of Greensboro, North Carolina; her sons-in-law, John Slavin and Scott Cross; her nine grandchildren, Allegra and Geneva Ridgeway, Kate Merritt, Caroline and Sydney Slavin, Jonathan and Melissa Ridgeway, Charlie and Annie Kate Cross; and her sisters, Charlotte Spurgeon and Lois Jones; as well as nephews and nieces and extended family and friends throughout the country.

Ms. Ridgway was preceded in death by her late husband, Dr. Kenneth D. Ridgeway; parents, Helen and Walter Warner; and brothers, Walter, Jack and Stephen.

The family will receive friends following the service in the church gathering space.

Personal condolences for the family can be sent to Diane Ridgway-Cross at 1805 Dante Lane, Greensboro, NC 27410.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Peggy Ridgway Memorial Fund at Shepherd's Center of Greensboro, where Ms. Ridgway was an active volunteer, 302 West Market Street, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27401.

Arrangements are under the care of Hanes-Lineberry funeral home of Greensboro.

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