of Springdale, AR
May 23, 1922 - July 19, 2017
Leola Irene (Smith) Riddle, 95 years 1 month 26 days, died July 19th, 2017 in her home with her children around her in Springdale, Arkansas.
She is preceded in death by her husband: James Thomas (Tomie)Riddle, brother Porter Smith, sister Reba Marsh, her parents: Fred Smith and Rosa Pickens Smith.
She is survived by her children: Fred Riddle and wife Donna (Magazine, Arkansas), Leola Lindsey and husband David (Springdale, Arkansas). Two sisters: Audrey Tilley and Leona Tilley of Searcy, Arkansas. 5 grandsons: Paul Lindsey (Springdale, Arkansas), Jeffrey Lindsey (Forth Worth, Texas), Stephen Lindsey (Springdale, Arkansas), Thomas Allen Riddle and Kenneth Riddle (Magazine, Arkansas). 8 Great grandchildren: Hannah Lindsey, Caleb Lindsey, Jonathan Lindsey, Sarah Lindsey, Isabella Lindsey, Irena Lindsey, Ty Lindsey and Nathan Lindsey. She was loved by all her many nephews and nieces.
She was born on 23rd of May 1922 in Pangburn, Arkansas in the community of Pinesnag. She went to school in Pine Snag, Pangburn, and Rosebud. After graduating from high school she taught a short time at Pie Snag. She was known as a devoted and faithful housewife, mother, caregiver, friend and church member who could cook a good meal for 4 to 20 any day.
She married Tomie Riddle march 15, 1947 at her parent's home in Pine Snag. They then lived on East Mountain in Bee Branch, AR for 50 years before moving to Atkins, Arkansas next door to their daughter, Leola, where they celebrate their 64th Anniversary. She and Tomie spent their life serving others and making many wonderful friends.
After Tomie's death, she lived 1 year by herself before moving in with her daughter. They then moved to Springdale to be close to the grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Irene was a member of the Primitive Baptist Faith for all her adult life and fellowshipped with many Primitive Baptist churches all over Arkansas.
The visitation and funeral is scheduled for Monday, July 24, 2017 at Roller-McNutt in Greenbrier, Arkansas. Visitation 9am to 10am followed by the funeral 10am-11am. Burial is at Salem Primitive Baptist Cemetery.
A light lunch will be served at Salem Primitive Baptist Church.
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9 Condolence(s)
Jamye Tate Byrd
Monday, July 24, 2017
Leola and Tommy. So sad for your loss but rejoicing that Aunt Irene is praising at the feet of Jesus. She was a sweetheart. She called me not long ago and I had to sit it the car to finish my conversation because I had to yell. It makes me giggle now knowing that she can hear perfectly again. She was so sweet and told me she loved and missed me. I will cherish that phone call.
Philip Tate
Monday, July 24, 2017
The happiest times of my life were spent at grandpa's house where I learned Christian principles and to have hope in Christ. I am so very thankful for an extended family that seeks to love one another. Freddie and Leola, I love you. I experience your sorrow with you. A loving mother is the single most important thing on the earth. I miss mine so much. I hope to see God with you all.
Elizabeth Ann (Fain) Kirk
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Leola & Freddie, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
kathy Ashley Henderson/ Helen Mescher Ashley
Saturday, July 22, 2017
Our hearts go out with prayers and love to you all. We have many fond memories of Irene, Tommy and family at Bethlehem Church. Grandma Meschers was the first house on the road to the Riddles. They were neighbors, friends and church members for many years. I remember quilting frames suspended from the ceiling at both houses and friends working on quilts. She was a sweet soul . Mom sends condolences and love as well.
Phyllis Tumbleson McMillen
Saturday, July 22, 2017
To : leola, Freddie and family I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved uncle Tommy and aunt Irene So much. I have such good memories with them from my childhood that I wouldn't trade for anything. I love y'all prayers in this difficult time
Kim
Friday, July 21, 2017
My thoughts & prayers for y'all. I know aunt Irene would tell you not to be sorry. (this is what she told me when uncle Tommie past). love you all much! Kim
Nancy Green
Friday, July 21, 2017
Such a wonderful person. I have many memories of times at the Riddle home on Bee Branch mountain. Some of my best childhood memories. Irene will be missed by family and friends.
Betty Holland Hainley, Audrey Holland Bradford
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Our Sympathy to the family, God give you strength for today and the days a head. Great aunts of CA. Betty Holland Hainley and Audrey Holland Bradford
Beverly Brooks
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Sweet, beautiful Irene will be missed by so many! I have always thought of her as one of my aunts. I have many wonderful memories of spending the night at her house when we visited during association meetings in Bee Branch and Gravesville. She was so kind, thoughtful and loving. My last visit with her was when Nelda and I went to David's last spring. She told me than that she loved me and I told her the same. I'm so grateful that she has been a part of my life for so long. I know Tommy, Mom and Dad were all there to greet her at Heaven's door! I can just see them all together again - just like they were in my childhood! I wish you a joyful journey, sweet Sister Irene!