Georgia Mae Wiggins Aldridge
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Born Georgia Mae Montgomery, August 20, 1925, to Robert H. Montgomery Sr. and Myrtle Hazel Morris Montgomery, Independence, Kansas. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at home December 25, 2021, Lawrence, Kansas.
Georgia grew up during the Depression and WWII. At one time her parents operated the movie theater in Independence. She graduated from Independence High School
in 1943, and worked as a teller at the local bank. She married A. Jack Wiggins, Independence, in 1948. She and Jack owned and operated Wig’s Grill & Restaurant from 1956 until his death in 1971. She then worked as a bank teller until her retirement. She married Lynn Aldridge, Independence, in 1981.
He passed away in 1984.
In 1986, Georgia moved to Lawrence to be near her children and grandchildren. She was active in the First Methodist Church, Lawrence, until her health prevented it. She loved reading the Lawrence JW every morning, listening to her Kansas Talking Books when her eyesight failed, and having visitors.
Georgia was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert H. Montgomery Jr., both her husbands, and her grandson Adam T. Mersmann. She is survived by her daughters, Kathleen McGee and Patti Poe, Lawrence; her step daughters Nancy Thomas, Olathe, and Judy Grotenhuis, Culpepper, Virginia; her grandchildren Aaron Mersmann (wife Molly), Lawrence, Brian McGee, Gardner, and Sarah McGee, Waterford, Ireland.
Donations in lieu of flowers in Georgia’s memory may be made to Kansas Talking Books Advisory Council, or Lawrence Humane Society, both in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary.
Georgia’s family would like to especially thank Don & Lori Greenfield, Holly and Larry Hamilton and family, Meals on Wheels, Dr. Pamela Huerter, Dr. K.M. Zabel, Visiting Nurses, Senior Resource Center, and HyVee Pharmacy Staff.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 30, 5-7pm, Warren McElwain Mortuary. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
We were so sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing. We loved living in the neighborhood with her
From Independence days and Wig’s restaurant to here in Lawrence when I would run into Georgia at the grocery store – a long list of memories over many years. So sorry to know that she has passed away. Many hugs to your family.
We were sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing. She was a lovely patient. May her memory forever be a blessing.
From Independence, Kansas, reading about the wonderful “Georgia Mae” of Wig’s Restaurant brings back warm memories of the Wiggins family. She positively sparkled and welcomed everyone who walked in the door–which was truly “everyone” because Wig’s was everybody’s favorite place to dine out. It looks like she lived a good long life but it’s never “time” to lose our parents. My heart goes out to you, Patti and Kathleen.
So sorry Kathleen. I know you will miss her so much. Love to you and Patti
Kathy and Patti …so sorry to learn of your mothers passing..you are both so lucky to have had her for so long..thoughts and prayers to you all..Ann
Georgia had a sparkle in her eye that made delivery of meals to her a real treat! Kathy, I know you will miss your mom-I’m sorry for your loss. Marsha buhler
Kathy & Patti, I know you will miss her something fierce! She was a sweet, strong woman who persevered through much but always with a grace and loveliness. God bless you all.
Thoughts and prayers go out to you from the Cook family. My mother, the former Grace Irma Coldwell, was Georgia Mae’s life-long friend, from grade school on. Georgia Mae was a kind and cheerful person, as reflected in the photo above. I have fond memories of her through the years.
So very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Many memories of eating at your place.
Patti and Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Prayers.
So sorry to hear of Georgia’s passing. She was such a sweet lady….she will be greatly missed.
Kathy and Patti: my family will be thinking of you and your family. Your mother was that sweet petite little thing that was the face of Wigs Restaurant. She was loved and will be missed. All of Independence, Kansas will miss her.
I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you can take comfort in the presence of close friends and family in this tough time.
Kathy and Patti your mother was the sweetest lady. She had a happy personality and a twinkle in her eyes. I will keep you and your loved ones in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
I knew Georgia Mae when she worked at the bank and people would wait in line to have her wait on them because she was so friendly and was always smiling. After they opened the restaurant she was the smiling happy greeter. One time I asked her if her feet didn’t hurt from working all day in the restaurant, she told me she didn’t have time to hurt. The angels have gained another angel to be a greeter in heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with her family
We will miss sweet Georgia, but know her spirit lives on. We see it in the smiles and kindness in her family.
Kathleen, I will always remember your Mom and her ready smile. She was so kind and gracious. Prayers for you
Kathy, Steve and I were so sorry to hear of Georgia’s death. We so enjoyed her cheerful smile and small conversations when we delivered meals. Our deepest condolences.
Mary and Steve
Kathy, I remember your sweet Moma always with a smile on her face. God bless you and your family and that you will find peace.
Patti and Kathy,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I remember her when I was a child she was the little lady with such a big smile!
Prayers to you and your family.
Patti, Kathy, and family, I just learned of your sweet momma’s passing through the Pearly Gates. Heaven has a new angel, one that will bring new energy and much sweetness with her. She always made a person feel good, I cannot picture her without a smile on her face. My sincerest sympathy in your loss. What a blessing to have had this special lady as your momma.