Martha Lou Jones Riddle

Martha Lou Jones Riddle passed away on Friday, February 12, 2016 in Rome, GA. She lived 94 energetic years. The only child of Mae Brown Jones and Clarence Foster Jones grew up in Attalla, Alabama. She was the Valedictorian of Etowah High School in 1939, and graduated from the University of Alabama in 1943 where she was a Mortar Board member, President of the Junior Class and Women’s Student Government.

After graduation she worked at Oak Ridge Tennessee. While there she enjoyed her love of hiking in the Smoky Mountains and was part of the Community Chorus.

In 1947 she married her childhood sweetheart, Kenneth Riddle. They lived in Sharon, PA where Ken was employed by Westinghouse.

In 1953 they moved to Rome, GA. Martha Lou was active in the Rome First United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday School for 32 years and singing in the Choir for 25 years. She served in leadership roles in the Rome Floyd Polio Foundation, American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary. She was also a leader in the Mountain View Garden Club and on the state board of the Garden Club of Georgia where she received an award for her work with bluebirds. Using her business degree, she worked as the business manager for the Rome Symphony. In 1990 she was awarded the Rome Heart of the Community Award.

She continued her lifelong love of travel when she took her mother to Japan for her 80th birthday. In later years she decided it would be good to travel with her whole family. She took her sons, daughters in law and grandchildren with her on many wonderful trips from 2000-2015.

She was active and involved in giving her time and energy to others in many, many ways. Her love was great for her family, the Methodist Church, her Garden Club, singing, hiking and the University of Alabama.

She is survived by a loving family: Three sons Doug Riddle of Roswell, GA, Kran Riddle, of Savannah, GA., Alfy Riddle of San Jose, CA, their spouses, Elaine, Jody, and Glenda and three grandchildren, Jess, Zach, and Chelsea (and Reid D. Castellone, Chelsea's fiancé).

A memorial service was held at Rome First United Methodist Church, Saturday February 20, at 2:00 PM. with Rev. Dr. Robert Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Rome First United Methodist Church or Rome Federated Garden Club, c/o R. Martin 212 East 9th Street Rome, GA. 30161.