Jane Willie (Lawson) Ridgnal

Life Reflections

Strength        Dignity        Honor

Jane W. Ridgnal was born to James and Mary Lawson on June 4^, 1923 in Memphis, Tennessee.  The family later moved to Kansas City and made this their home.  

Jane matriculated in the Kansas City Kansas school district and attended the historical Northeast Junior High school. She was a proud graduate of Sumner High School class of 1941(Spartans).

 She later married Luther V. Ridgnal and to this union eleven children were born.

Jane accepted Christ at the Pleasant Green Baptist church where she raised her children and there she remained a member for many years.  While at Pleasant Green, she was a member of the choir and later became a Sunday school teacher in the primary department; she was involved in multiple ministries within the church.   Later she joined the Mt. Olive Baptist church where she served as Greeter during the years she was physically able; she also served on the Mother Board and the mission circle.

As a young lady, Jane began her working career in factory, then later pursued a higher calling and earned her LPN certificate; thereafter she began a more holistic career where she served in the healing profession at KU Medical center for 15 years.  She worked as an LPN for nearly 10 years and later moved to a less strenuous role as unit clerk prior to retiring.  During her working years she also liked to travel with her first flight being to Hawaii, followed by a few modest trips to Atlanta, Silver Dollar City and day trips with a senior travel group.

Following retirement; she began her journey as a foster Grandparent and served in that capacity for nearly 20 years. In this role, she served elementary age students, with their fundamental academic learning.  This became the joy of her life to serve in this capacity.

Her favorite day of the week was Sunday, as she looked forward to worshipping with other saints, Sunday dinners and the many visits received from children and grandchildren. Her proudest accomplishments were her children and grandchildren. Each one held a special place in her heart and everyone thought they were the favorite.  She was a strong and living example for her family as she started each day in prayer, bible reading and meditation and she did so again at the close of each day.  Lamentations 3:22-23 was her life’s declaration.

Children preceded her in death: Rhoda Jane (deceased as infant), Wilbert Ridgnal, Richard Lawson, Alonzo Ridgnal and Judy Ridgnal.

She leaves to cherish her memory, Samuel Ridgnal Kansas City, KS; Carolyn Spears (James Frederick) Kansas City, MO; Luther Ridgnal (Ella) Anniston, AL; Rosalind Barnes El Camp, TX; Janet L. Ridgnal Kansas City, KS; Dixie Ridgnal Kansas City, KS; Brenda Ridgnal, Lenexa, KS; 17 Grandchildren; 26 Great Grandchildren;  Her sisters, Rosie Solomon, Kansas City, MO (Adell); Beatrice Clark Denver, CO; Velva Huggins Kansas City, KS; Wilma Johnson Kansas City, KS;  The Mt. Olive Baptist Church; and a host of relatives and friends.  At her time of transition, she was the oldest living Heir of her family.

The courage she exhibited during her recent illness was that of Strength, love and dignity. 

Today we celebrate and honor a life well lived

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