Thelma Marie Ridgeway, 86, died March 4, 2012 at Medical Lodge of Kinsley, Kinsley, Kansas. She was born June 2, 1925 at Dallas, South Dakota, the daughter of Oliver and Helen Emma (Stone) Nelson. She married Fredrick C. Ridgeway January 14, 1944 at Dighton, Kansas. He died October 10, 1986. A Great Bend resident since 1943, coming from Chadron, Nebraska, Mrs. Ridgeway was a homemaker. Mrs. Ridgeway was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Eagles Auxiliary, both of Great Bend. Survivors include one son: Wayne Ridgeway, Great Bend; and Marsha Nelson, Denver, Colorado; eleven grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Karen Symank; one brother, Robert Nelson; and one daughter-in-law, Shelly Ridgeway. Graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 9, 2012 at Pawnee Rock Cemetery. The Reverend James A. Strasen will officiate. Friends may call from noon to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, March 8, 2012 and from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Friday, at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to the American Cancer Society, in care of the funeral home.