Steven / Stephanie Hatton Ridgway

1952 - 2023

Steven / Stephanie Hatton Ridgway
January 27, 1952 - February 21, 2023
Olympia, Washington - Steven / Stephanie Ridgway - Born January 27,1952, in Seattle. Died February 21, 2023, Olympia, WA.
Steve was adopted at birth by Robert and Joan Ridgway. When he was 8, he was officially awarded a Junior Engineer certificate by Tinker Toys for one of his designs, a highlight for Steve ever since. In his early years, he sailed and raced with his Dad. He became a skipper in his own right, racing up through high school years. Steve also competed and lettered in swimming at Bellevue High School where he graduated. He earned an associate degree in landscape architecture and then spent a couple of years lifeguarding in Guam. After a decade of landscape work in greater Seattle, Steve settled in Olympia, WA with his mother and brother.
"Steve" to most, "Stephanie" to many, left us with countless insights, perspectives, and personas. 'They' were caring and engaged with everyone around, physically, and otherwise. Sadly, schizophrenia was a serious condition that challenged them throughout their adult life. 'Voices,' were constant, and at times an overwhelming noise and symptom of the schizophrenia and its influences on reality.
Gender identity was a life-long dance for Stephanie and Steve. It was a freedom and a social opportunity to be softer, gentler, and more empathic. Attire was a colorful part of that dance. Certainly, Steve and Stephanie enjoyed keeping others guessing where he, she - and where we all are - on the broad gender scale of humanity.
Steve rose above the struggle countless times by demonstrating a core that was loving, strong, and grounded in all things living.
Steve's love of music - listening, playing, and singing - was a fundamental joy throughout his life. More recently he was a proud member of Samba Olywa, with whom he gleefully performed, including in at least a dozen Processions of the Species.
Steve is survived by his brother John and sister-in-law Sally, and by many loving friends and strangers he came to know and trust. A celebration will take place later in the year.
In Steve's and Stephanie's memory, donations will be gratefully accepted by any of the following organizations (and others) that support individuals like Steve and Stephanie and their families. Thank you.
National Association for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Thurston / Mason County
https://namitm.org
Behavioral Health Resources, (BHR), Thurston Co
http://www.bhr.org
Drexel House, Olympia, Catholic Community Services
https://ccsww.org/get-help/shelter-homeless-services/drexel-house/
The family offers a heart-felt thank you to mental health care - nurses, social workers, emergency responders, administrators, maintenance workers, public service professionals, and related volunteers all over the world who help others with mental illness. Please support them as you can. Again, thank you.