Wilma R Riddle

Wilma “Ruth” Riddle passed away at her home on Sunday July 30, 2017, surrounded by family and with the caring people of Hospice. She was 88 years of age, being the youngest of five children born to Vernon and Hazel Rhine on February 5, 1929 in Grainfield, KS. At the age of seven she moved with her family to Sterling, CO where she attended school, graduating from Sterling High School in 1947. Ruth then worked in Sterling as a receptionist and assistant for an eye clinic. On August 4, 1951 she married Kent Riddle, and moved to the family ranch in Paradox Valley of Western Montrose County Colorado. It was here that her their first child, Neil, was born in 1952. In 1953 the family moved to Hesperus, CO where Kent took employment at the San Juan Basin Research Center. The family lived on the old Ft. Lewis Campus for sixteen years. It was here that their second child, Vernon, was born in 1955 and their daughter, Karen, in 1962. In 1968 the family moved to Norwood, CO where the children attended school and Ruth trained and worked as a Bank Teller for the San Miguel Basin State Bank. In 1969, the family moved to Mesa County and purchased the old Coffman Farm at Whitewater, CO where they operated a family registered Hereford operation for 28 years. During those years Ruth worked as a Bank Teller in Grand Junction and also in Craig, CO where they lived for six years. Ruth was a vibrant, outgoing person who loved people, making many lifelong friends throughout Western Colorado. Many friends first met her as a customer at her teller window. Ruth and her husband retired and moved to town in 1999, where she continued to enjoy family, friends and her home. She was a league bowler and Pinochle player for many years and especially enjoyed her many friends from these activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four siblings and her beloved son, Vernon, who was killed by lightning at the ranch in Whitewater. Survivors include her husband, Kent, of the family home, son Neil (Donna) of Whitewater, CO; daughter Karen (Jim) Doherty of Folsom, NM; a daughter in law Connie Jo Riddle of Andover, Kansas; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 N 12th Street Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506.

Visitation will be held Saturday August 5, 4:00-6:00 pm and a memorial service Sunday August 6, at 11:00 am. with both being held at Martin Mortuary Grand Junction, CO. Burial will be held Monday, August 7, 10:00 am at Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery Grand Junction, CO. Services under the direction of Martin Mortuary.

Messages of condolences may be sent to www.martinmortuary.com