Obituary: Ellene Riddle

Henrietta Ellene (Best) Riddle was born to Herman and Agnes Best on May 4, 1919, in Lawton, Okla., the third of eight children (Jewel, Wilma, Ellene, Blanche, Charlotte, Ronal, Roy and Ray). She passed away Dec. 3, 2011, in Meeker, Colo. She was raised and spent her childhood around the Meeker and Silt areas.
During the war years, she moved to Portland, Ore. where she worked in the ship yards and later at the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. While in Portland, she met and married Elvin “Buster” Riddle — the love of her life — in 1949. Ellene and Buster moved to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they lived for 24 years. While living there she worked in the U.S. Post Office and in a laundry. She had many happy times camping and fishing with Buster. After their Alaska experience they settled in Meeker, Colo., in 1974, where they made many lifelong friends. Buster died in 2005.
Ellene’s friends enjoyed her quick wit, sense of humor and ready smile. She enjoyed conversation and sharing stories of her and Buster’s life together. She was always glad to see anyone when they came to visit, no matter who they were, and was interested in what was going on in their lives.
A very important part of Ellene’s life was her membership in the congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses which she was baptized into in April 1957. It was with the members of her congregation that she made two trips to Hawaii for conventions. She thoroughly enjoyed herself and spoke of these trips often.
Ellene is survived by one sister, Wilma Desmond, of Portland, Ore., and 11 nieces and nephews, as well as their families. She will be missed by all who knew her.
A luncheon will be served at Kilowatt Korner at 233 Sixth St. following burial services.
Memorial services will be held at Meeker Kingdom Hall located at 1122 Garfield St. in Meeker on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. with burial services following at Highland Cemetery. A viewing was held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Rio Blanco Funeral Home, 517 Park Ave.
Arrangements handled by Rio Blanco Funeral Home.
Remembrances may be sent to Meeker Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, P.O. Box 593, Meeker Colo., 81641.