Boldridge, Florence 1945-2025 Solon, Iowa

SOLON, Iowa – Florence Elizabeth (Green) Boldridge, 80, passed away at Solon Nursing Facility in Solon, Iowa, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. She was born on Jan. 28, 1945, in St. Joseph, to James and Helen Green.

She graduated from Central High School, in St. Joseph, and was the first class to integrate that high school. She was the accompanist for the Concert Choir at Central. As an accomplished pianist she was organist for New Hope Baptist Church and St. Francis Baptist Temple and attended the Conservatory of Music in Chicago. She and her sister Etta were the first African American members of the music society Fort Nightly in St. Joseph.

She graduated from Mount St. Scholastica College, in Atchison, Kansas, where she met Leon Boldridge. She worked at the University of Kansas in the School of Engineering for 30 years as the Director of Diversity and Women’s Programs (formally SCoRMEBE). Upon retirement she moved to Iowa City, Iowa, where she enjoyed spending time with her many friends at Melrose Meadows Retirement Community and Keystone at Forevergreen, including her best friend, Pete. She enjoyed cooking, music, and spending time with family.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

She leaves behind her daughter, Liz Tovar (Steve), of Iowa City; son, Stewart Boldridge, of Wichita, Kansas; her sister, Etta Cox, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family members.

A celebration of life will be determined at a late date. In lieu of flowers, all contributions can be made to KU Endowment, School of Engineering, Florence Boldridge Scholarship Fund. https://securelb.imodules.com/s/1312/lg21/form.aspx?sid=1312&gid=1&pgid=349&cid=945&sort=1&appealcode=WEB

Online condolences and memories of Florence can be shared with her family at www.lensingfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.