Mother Iona Deloris Davis-Ridgell, 89, departed this life on February 16, 2019 at Shawnee Gardens Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Shawnee, Kansas.

Iona grew up and attended public school in the Plantersville Community of Monticello. Arkansas. Iona confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Stranger Rest African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1948 she was united in holy matrimony to Travis Ridgell and they decided to make Kansas City, Kansas their home. To that union two children were born, both went to be with the Lord as infants.

Iona was a hard worker, employed by the Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City Royals Baseball Stadium and other domestic jobs until her health failed. Upon moving to Kansas City, Kansas, Iona joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church later becoming Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the direction of the late Rev. H.W. Bowen where she served in various capacities, choir member, missionary, church mother, usher, and Sunday school class member, etc. She was great church supporter and a cheerful financial giver.

Iona loved the Lord and her family. She often talked about how she was ready to meet Jesus and her boys. One of her favorite songs was, "When I See Jesus". Iona was welcomed into heaven by her husband, Travis and her boys; her parents, Jeff and Leola Davis; sisters, Alberta Walton, Rita Mae Brown, Birtho Jackson, Yearline Lamb, Jearline Martin, Norma Jean Woodard and Erma Jean Robinson; brothers Otis, Uyless, Duffie, O.V., Jeff Jr., Henry, Scott, Tyree, Calvin, Mylow and Leroy. She was the last one of her siblings to meet the Lord.

Iona leaves to cherish her memories: her sisters-in-law, Rosie Lee Davis and Dossie Mae Davis; a niece raised as a sister, Retha "Quincy" Lewis-Collins; special nephews, William "Bill" Davis (Susan) and their family who cared for Iona when she was no longer able to live alone; Leron (Joyce) who she could depend on to check on her and care for her; special nieces, Pat Lamb and Jackie (Anthony) Jamison; and a host other nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who loved her.

Funeral services Saturday, February 23, 11:00 a.m. at Forest Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Interment Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.