Frances Margaret Pepperd, the daughter of Thomas C. Pepperd and Bertha Ann Pepperd was born December 8, 1907 at Wilmore, Kans. She lived most of her entire life on the farm where she was born.Frances departed this life on May 17, 1977 at Wichita, Kans., at the age of 69 years.
She was a graduate of the Wilmore rural high school, Wilmore, Kans., and attended Ottawa University, after which she taught in the Wilmore schools for five years.
On September 24, 1933 she was united in marriage to Lauren H. Ridge and they made their home in the Wilmore community, taking an active part in the community life. Lauren passed away on March 6, 1949. Frances then continued to make a home for her father until his death in 1967. During this time she was very active in church and community affairs. She was a member of the Wilmore Baptist church and was the faithful church organist for over 50 years, also teaching a Sunday School class of Juniors and served many years as church clerk.
From 1957 to 1960 she served as president of the Kansas Baptist Women and served on the National Board of American Baptist Women for four years.
Frances was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and received her 50 year pin for membership in this order. She was a Past Matron of Grace Chapter of Wilmore, Kans., and was also a member of the White Shrine of Jersualem of Dodge City, Kans., and the Wilmore Embroidery Club.
She was a clerk at the Wilmore post office for over 30 years and thoroughly enjoyed the contact and friendships of the people of Wilmore.
Her mother, father, and husband preceded her in death. She leaves one sister, Geneva Bell Pepperd, of Dodge City, Kans., and many relatives and friends.
"Memory is given us that we may have flowers in December," said a sage who because of his own rich experiences had flowers of memory every month of the year. Frances' remembrances were fragrant indeed. And now she has been called to her Heavenly Home.
Frances Ridge is buried in the Wilmore Cemetery.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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