Merrifield Riddle
September 10, 1918-
April 20, 2011
Beck was born in Central IL on September 10, 1918 to Archie & Opal Hale. She was one of five children and was fondly regarded as the "Matriarch" of the Hale Clan. She was always there to help
whomever needed assistance in whatever manner.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her older brother, James Hale, and her first husband, James Merrifield. James was the father of her only child, Carol, who was 6 months old when he died.
She then married Francis Riddle. They were married 63 years. They grew corn and soybeans and raised registered Angus cattle in Central IL until 1964 when they purchased a section of land, north of DeFuniak Springs, FL and established a farming operation there. It consisted of double cropping: wheat and soybeans grown on the same acreage each year. The winter wheat was harvested in the spring and the land was immediately replanted to soybeans which were then harvested in the fall. They sold the property and retired in 1973 at the age of 55 and moved to Pensacola in 1974.
Beck was always ready to take on a new adventure. At the age of 50, she began taking oil and china painting lessons. Not knowing she possessed this artistic talent, she quickly became known for her china painting which she sold all over the U.S. Family members in particular own many cherished pieces of her work.
Upon retirement Beck and Frank traveled every chance they could either by plane or in their RV. While RVing they attended and exhibited antique autos at shows, as well as, exhibiting and selling Beck's china at art shows.
Later in their retirement, they made numerous trips to Europe. Beck was always interested in how people of other cultures lived. Her favorite saying was, "I just want to know how people in these countries live….like what do they eat for supper?"
A positive attitude kept the many illnesses she experienced in check. At age 70 she was diagnosed with the rare disease of polymyositis. Even though it eventually took her mobility, she was never heard to complain about how she felt. At 82 she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. With God's help, great doctors, and her courage she proceeded to overcome and live another 10 years before her fall and hip fracture.
She always felt gratitude for the compassionate and knowledgeable medical care she received from Dr. Lorraine Flatt and assistant Peggy, Dr. David Mann and assistant Jane, Dr. Steve DeCesare, Dr. Sid Stuart and assistant Sarah, Jennifer Reeves LaBorde, Au.D., Dr. John Salvaggio and assistant Mary Anne, and Dr. Nancy Morris and assistant Anita. More recently Dr. English and Dr. Hackl gave her special care, as well as the nursing staff of both West Florida Hospital and Health Center of Pensacola Rehab.
She is survived by her husband Frank Riddle; a daughter Carol Ann Merrifield Biven Davis (Win) of Pensacola; beloved granddaughters, Lori Lynn Biven Roswold (Robert) of Pensacola and Leigh Ann Biven Root Davis (Hermon) of Tallahassee, FL; step grandsons, Russ Davis of Pensacola and Rance Davis of El Paso, TX; a great granddaughter, Haley Root of Tallahassee, FL; great grandsons, Tyler and Kevin Roswold of Pensacola, FL; step great grandson, Logan Davis of El Paso, TX; sisters, Wilma Powers of Clinton, IL and Darlene Griffith of Normal, IL; a brother, Ben Hale (Mary) of Clinton, IL; seven living nieces and nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Beck was indeed one of a kind and will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Funeral services will be Monday April 25, 2011 at 10 AM at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel with Capt. Fred Zobel, USN retired officiating. Music will be rendered by Beck's nephew, Edd Powers, of Clinton, IL. Pall bearers will be members of the extended family.
Interment will follow in Bayview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday April 24, 2011 from 4 until 6 PM.
Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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