Lilas Marie Riddle

Lilas Pearce Riddle, 101, passed away Sept. 18, 2017 at Heartland Health Care Center in Henry, IL. She was born June 17, 1916 in Spring Valley, MN to Daniel Pearce and Lenora (Gunderson) Pearce. She married Glenn Riddle in 1935, who preceded her in death. She is survived by daughters Glenice Riddle, Teala (Bernie) Richards, grandchildren Doug (Pam) Lavell, Kenny (Debbie) Maske and Kris (Tim) Barr, several great and great-great grandchildren, along with niece Carolyn (Bill) Duncan and nephew Gene (Nancy) Hafner. A son, Richard, died shortly after birth. Lilas was a very loving, caring, thoughtful, conscientious and hard working person. She continuously put the interests of others ahead of hers and was “always there” for her children. At Christmas, gifts for her grandchildren were typically piled almost as high as the Christmas tree. She also loved her pets, the birds and flowers. She worked hard all of her life, from the times she had to walk great distances to school on bitter cold, snowy days in MN, to her Homemaker responsibilities for her family, to the times she drove a truck for she and her husband’s business (she told stories about having pulled 60 foot mobile homes with a truck down Main St. in Peoria). During the last 7 years at Heartland, she enjoyed helping the staff by folding towels and linens with great precision. All who came in contact with her loved her, as evidenced by the many staff members who voluntarily offered that Lilas was one of their “favorite people”. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Lilas was a member of Salem Lutheran Church. The church congregation sang “Happy Birthday Lilas” for her 100th birthday. Memorials in Lilas’ name can be made to Salem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Rothfusz officating St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital -- Peoria Affiliate, or donor’s favorite charity. Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 12 PM (noon) at Salem Lutheran Church, with funeral at 1 PM, followed by burial at Henry Cemetery, Rt. 29, Henry, IL. Davison- Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements