Etta Jane Riddle 1872-1955

RIDDLE HOCKETT SMITH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/26/2010 at 16:35:02

Onawa Democrat
17 March 1955

Mrs. Etta Jane Riddle, daughter of William R. and Margaret Hockett Smith, was born September 9, 1872, near Blakesburg in Davies County, Iowa and passed away in her home in Onawa, Iowa March 11, 1955 at the age of 82 years, 6 months and 2 days. She came with her parents to Monona County near Ute, Iowa in a covered wagon in 1879, and had been a resident of this county since that time. For several terms she taught school near Whiting and later at the Jordan School which was near the home of her parents at that time.

On October 17, 1893, she was united in marriage with John J. Riddle, in her home west of Soldier. They resided in and near Ute, until 1917 when the family moved to Onawa, following Mr. Riddle’s election as auditor. In 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Riddle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, with an Open House in their home in Onawa.

Mrs. Riddle was a faithful member of the Onawa Methodist church, member of the D.A.R. Society and the Moorhead Chapter of Royal Neighbors Lodge of America. She was also interested in her many friends and especially in young people and their activities. She possessed a keen interest in the affairs of the day and had a great zest for living. To know her was to love her.

Preceding her in death was her husband, J.J. Riddle, on Feb. 8, 1951, infant twins, her parents and four brothers.

Survivors include her one daughter, Mrs. Earl (Gladys) Zimmerlin, of Webster City, Iowa; one sister, Mrs. Sina Johnson of Downey, California; a number of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many neighbors and friends.

Funeral services under the direction of the Pearson Chapel were held in the Congregational church on Monday, March 11, 1955, at 2 p.m. Her minister the Rev. Warren A. Bintz pastor of the Onawa Church was in charge.

Mrs. Dorothy Ferris gave comfort in song accompanied by Mrs. Clara Kelley.

Bearers were Park Anderson, Merle Ruble, Willard Oliver, Wilbur Torrey, Clarence Mathiasen and Orland Ferris.

Graveside services were held at Webster City at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Graceland Cemetery.