Lydia Louise Bridges, 91, asked God to take her Home, and He answered. In her last hours, she displayed the grit, grace and dignity that she elegantly possessed while on this earth. Described by many as a spirit-filled, beautiful, kind and sweet lady, Lydia had a fun side as well. Friends loved to hear her giggle and to see that twinkle in her eye. Lydia 's passing evoked phone calls and messages from people as much as seventy years younger. She inspired them, loved them, and made them feel special. Condolences included, "It was as if she saw right through your pain or your failings. She only saw goodness and potential, with no judgment; just joy. Everyone will miss her." Another younger friend said, "My goal in life is to be a cross between Lydia Bridges and Sue Nichols." Lydia was in a romance with life, oh, and the Kansas City Royals. For knowing so little about the game of baseball, there could not have been a bigger fan. Lydia was known to call Kate, Susan or Bendi late at night when she was excited about the outcome of the most recent game. Kate wondered aloud, "What happened to grandmas that drive slowly and go to bed early?!"

As a young girl on the family farm in the 1930's, she found that same joy and beauty in every single day with her parents, Nantie and Otto Long, her dear brother, Hubert, and the big sisters she idolized, Mary and Nina. Lydia did not dwell on the poverty or the stress of that era. Instead, she looked at every day with possibilities and hope. She rode horses, fed the animals and followed her brother and sisters around, as she learned to appreciate music, flowers, birds, family and friends. She graduated from high school in Gallatin , Missouri , and then worked in the phone company. Lydia eventually also began to appreciate boys; well…one boy in particular. From her window at work, she said she watched Marvin get out of his phone company truck and eat his lunch on the square in Gallatin . One thing led to another, and Marvin and Lydia were married on November 16, 1946. Over thirteen years later, Lydia called the birth of their son, 'My miracle." Mark was born in 1960 and gave Lydia a whole new reason to experience love and happiness. Like everything else she did, Lydia went "full bore" into motherhood. In her attempt to make Mark's life so wonderful, she grew into an inspirational presence herself. She began to sing and paint, sew and garden. Lydia loved all flowers, but the colors and delicacies of roses took her breath away.

Lydia was active in art clubs and was recognized in 2013 with the Lifetime Achievement Award by The Riverwalk Art Association in St. Joseph , MO. She loved her numerous roles in the United Methodist Church in Albany . Lydia was devoted both to her faith life and her church life. She was a member of United Methodist Women for many years. Lydia also was a member of Chapter AN P.E.O. of Albany , and contributed to the philanthropic work and socialization enabled by many groups over the years.

Lydia was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Bridges, her son, Mark Bridges, a step-grandson, Ryan Doolittle, her parents, Nantie and Otto Long, her sisters, Mary (Arnold) Miller and Nina (Louis) Drake, and her brother, Hubert (Marie) Long.

She will be greatly missed by surviving family members including her granddaughter, Katelyn Bridges of Kansas City, MO, her daughter-in-law, Susan Bridges of Albany, her step grandchildren, Jon (Jeni) Doolittle (children Sara, Nate, Noah, Sofia, Joshua and Elizabeth,) and Brad Doolittle (Haley), her dear niece, Beverly Karns of St. Joseph, MO, her wonderful nephews, James Long (Sandy), Kenneth Long (Erlene), Bob Drake (Sandra), Charles Drake (Cindy) and Dan Drake (Cheryl), and a host of grand nieces and nephews whose exploits she celebrated and whose communications she treasured.

It may be easier in a small town to make a difference in the lives of others. Lydia took full advantage, by making her mark, lighting up every room, lifting spirits and eliciting smiles. If you met her, you remembered her and will miss her.