Annabelle Friddle

1921 - 2014

Annabelle Richardson Friddle, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014, in her Dallas, Texas, home. A longtime resident of Aztec, she will be remembered as a geologist, philanthropist, artist, lifelong learner and faithful friend. She was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Mrs. Friddle was born Nov. 21, 1921, in Athens, Texas, to Peter Franklin Richardson and Minnie Bob Gauntt Richardson. She had two sisters, Pattie Nan Richardson Lambright (deceased) and Lucy Beth "Tua" Richardson Smith of Houston. She grew up on Texas cattle ranches, distinguished herself at the University of Texas and became one of only two female geologists in the state of Texas in the 1940s. Annabelle broke many such molds in her lifetime with her determination, intelligence and Southern charm.
She was the widow of kind and gentle Herbert G. Friddle, who passed away in 1986.
Mrs. Friddle loved her nieces and nephews, all living in Texas, Tyson Smith III and wife Rhonda of Houston, Tua Smith Burke and husband Brian of Houston, Nowery Smith of Fulshear, Pete Smith and wife Barbara of Kerrville, Pattie Lambright Kluck and husband Andy of Richardson, and Shelby Lambright Marquis and husband Mike of Josephine. Numerous great-nieces and great-nephews will remember her with fondness.
Mrs. Friddle will be missed by her loving family, her many faithful friends in New Mexico, her sweet caregivers in Dallas, and especially her lifelong friend, Jane Bannahan Hawthorne of Beaumont, Texas.
Annabelle Friddle was an integral part of the San Juan College community. She took classes almost every semester throughout the years she lived here, served on the SJC Foundation Board of Directors and as a volunteer literacy tutor for Project Read. As a friend and supporter of San Juan College for many years, she created the General Distinguished Teaching Chair and the Annabelle Friddle Faculty Excellence Award. She was loved by her colleagues and friends. Thanks to Mrs. Friddle's generosity and dedication to lifelong learning, her legacy will live on in perpetuity at San Juan College.
Donations may be made in Annabelle's memory to her scholarship fund at the San Juan College Foundation, 4601 College Blvd, Farmington NM, 87402.