Eva's Obituary
Eva M. Riddle, aged 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2022, at her daughter’s residence in Great Falls, where she has resided since August of 2019.
Eva Marie was born on July 1, 1934, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the oldest daughter of six children born to Emil “Michael” and Anna (Soltis) Balen. Her father was a coal miner that immigrated from Yugoslavia, and her mother was Czechoslovakian. She graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1952. She married William “Bill” Edmund Riddle II on August 23, 1952, in Rock Springs. They moved to Glasgow, Montana where William “Gig” E. Riddle III and Linda Kay were born. In 1956 the Riddle family moved to Browning, Montana where Bill worked for Beck Funeral Home. They purchased the funeral home in 1964, which became the Riddle Funeral Home. While in Browning their third child, Timothy Allen, was born. They also owned and operated the Riddle Flower Shop.
Bill passed away on October 3, 1995, in Browning. Eva moved to Anaconda, Montana in February of 1996, where she worked part-time at the KT Riddle Funeral Homes. She worked for Anaconda Job Corp and Discovery House for many years. She enjoyed working, but her health forced her into retirement.
Eva was an active member of the Catholic Church in Browning and Anaconda. She was also a lifetime member and past matron of the Order of the Eastern Star. Eva was always up for an adventure. She enjoyed traveling. Her biggest joy was watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow up.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, George and Frank; sister Marjorie; and daughter-in-law, Amanda Riddle.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Kay Riddle of Great Falls; sons and a daughter-in-law, Gig Riddle of Toppenish, Washington, Tim and Kathy Riddle of Anaconda; 10 grandchildren; Charles and wife, Jamie Farmer, of Anaconda, Joseph Sitzmann of Billings, Bobbie Sue and husband, Jeremy Rham, of Jamestown, North Dakota, Damon and wife, Angie Riddle, of Portland, Oregon, Eron and Jeanine Riddle of Portland, Chani Riddle of Portland, Oregon, Emily Riddle of Fort Benton, Montana, Jess Riddle of Stevensville, Montana, Jaime Riddle of Clarkston, Washington, and McKenzie Riddle of Post Falls, Idaho; 8 great-grandchildren, Tyler, Billy, Landry, Jaden, Brian, Rae, Addison and Marcus; and sisters, Verlee Woolum and Barbara Callahan.
A visitation/wake will be held on Friday afternoon, December 16, 2022, at the Schnider Funeral Home, Great Falls from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the City Cemetery Chapel in Missoula, Montana. Eva will be laid to rest next to her husband.
Eva will be missed by all that had the chance to meet her. Memorials are suggested to Benefis Peace Hospice (2600 15th Ave. South, Great Falls, MT. 59405) or to the donor’s choice.
