Martha L. Ridgway

Martha Lea Ridgway, 87, of Chetopa, Kansas, passed away on September 26, 2026, at Labette Health.

Martha was born on January 28, 1939, in Bay, Arkansas, to Roy and Ruby (Griffith) Davis. In February 1952, she moved with her family to Chetopa, Kansas, where she would spend most of her life and become a cherished member of the community.

She graduated from Chetopa High School with the Class of 1957. On February 8, 1959, she married Leon Irwin in Chetopa. Together they welcomed three children: Phil, Terri, and Jim. The couple later divorced. On October 14, 1972, Martha married Tom Ridgway, with whom she shared many happy years.

Martha dedicated her career to serving the staff, students and families of USD 505 Chetopa Schools. She retired after 24 years of service, spending two years as a Food Service Clerk and 22 years as an Elementary School Secretary. Known for her warm personality and caring nature, she enjoyed watching generations of children grow up and was deeply invested in the lives of those around her.

She was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Chetopa and also attended First Baptist Church in Oswego.

Martha was passionate about her community and gave generously of her time through volunteer service. She served on the Chetopa Historical Museum Board, including several years as Treasurer, and was Secretary of the Chetopa Alumni Association for many years.

Throughout her life, Martha enjoyed painting with her sister, Betty Sue, creating stained glass pieces, working puzzles, and sharing daily phone conversations with her sister, Norma Jean. Above all, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family.

Martha is survived by her husband, Tom Ridgway, of the home; her children, Phil Irwin and wife Cheri of Topeka, Kansas, Terri Irwin of Olathe, Kansas, and Jim Irwin and wife Yonnie of Hallowell, Kansas; her stepdaughter, Teresa McClure of Pittsburg, Kansas; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; numerous step-great-grandchildren; and her sister, Norma Jean DeHart of Springfield, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Ruby Davis; two brothers; her sister, Betty Sue Frye; and her stepson, Tommy Ray Ridgway.

Martha will be remembered for her kindness, her dedication to her community, her love for family and friends, and the lasting impact she made on the lives of so many in Chetopa.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Oswego. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to the Chetopa Historical Museum. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.