Mary Riddle

February 12, 1918 - December 28, 2011 SHAWNEE Mary Ruthelma (Ruth) Riddle entered heaven, with her family at her side, on December 28, 2011, in Oklahoma City. She had lived there close to her extended family for the last eight years of her life.Ruth was born on February 12, 1918 to William Henry Henson and Thelma Bradbury Henson in Woodward, Oklahoma. Her early years were spent in Yale, Oklahoma. While in Yale she divided her time between church and school events, and it was during this time she made many lifelong friends. After graduation from Yale High School, she continued her education at Oklahoma State University, majoring in Business. She became a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. While there she met Fred Riddle from Cushing, also a student at OSU, who was to become the love of her life. Her love for Fred Riddle proved to be a lifelong journey of commitment and caring. When they were married, Ruth went with Fred to the Western Dental College in Kansas City, Missouri. When World War II expanded into the Pacific Theater, he went off to war as did many of that greatest generation.He kept Ruth in his heart while serving in the Philippines until the war was over. Ruth remained in Stillwater and worked as a secretary for AAA.After the war, Fred and Ruth moved to Shawnee, Oklahoma. There he established his dental practice and Ruth created a loving environment to raise their three young daughters, Becky, Rosalie, and Shelly. While living in Shawnee, Ruth became an active member of the St. Paul Methodist Church, a member of PEO chapter BB, and a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae organization. She enjoyed Shakespeare Club and many dinner and bridge clubs. As her family blossomed with the marriages of her daughters and the arrival of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she became "Granny" or simply "GG," and each one became a new source of joy in her life.Ruth and Fred remained committed to one another through Fred's long illness and eventual death. Even though she had lost the love of her life, she expanded her love for her extended family. Ruth loved nothing better than supporting the many stages of their lives with delight.She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. Fred Riddle; her sister, Rosalie Gaskins; her brother, William Henry "Pat" Henson; and her sister, B Henson.She is survived by daughters: Becky Welch (Frank) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Rosalie Yeary (Edwin) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Shelly Fortner (Leon) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Kimberly Ann Funderburk (Bruce) of Oklahoma City; Fred Davis Welch of Oklahoma City; John Stuart (Pam) of Dallas, Texas; Mark Stuart of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Ryan Fortner of Oklahoma City; Alden McDonald (Mike) of Los Angeles, California; and Bart Yeary (Diana) of San Mateo, California; great-grandchildren: Annie Jones of Tulsa; Harrison Funderburk and Molly Funderburk of Oklahoma City; Paul Welch of Stroud, Oklahoma; Ford Stuart of Dallas, Texas; Oliver McDonald and Brixton McDonald of Los Angeles, California; and James Yeary of San Mateo, California. Ruth is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Billie McKnight( Ross) of Throckmorton, Texas; Brad Gaskins (Janet) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; William Henson (Dee) of New Orleans, Louisiana; Bret Henson (Janice), Bart Henson (Ruth); grandniece and nephew, Meggan Panzino (Blake), and Trent McKnight. The family would like to thank caregivers, Dana and Annisa, and Carter Hospice. A private family burial was held on Saturday, December 31st, at Resthaven Memorial Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma. A celebration of Ruth's life will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd, at 1 p.m., at the Walker Funeral Home Chapel in Shawnee with a reception following.Donation in memory of Ruth Riddle may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation or charities of your choice.