Stephen Leroy Riddle born on June 17, 1945. Passed at Age 79 before taking his next step in heaven. Before the time of passing, he was well cared for in the hands of Pamela alongside his grandchildren and his little special caretaker Diego. On Christmas Eve Pam asked him for any requests Steve had wanted for Christmas. With good sense of humor. He replied with 80° weather and a new body. He then compromised and suggested a raspberry jelly filled donut. Not knowing God's next plan he took Steve's word and reunited him in his kingdom above on Christmas morning. If you'd known Steve, you'd know, one of his things you would catch him doing is watching movies and enjoying his favorite sports games from his chair. The morning of Christmas, his grandson Stevie had his one request in his hand and found his grandpas eyes resting, He had fallen asleep in his chair for the last time. We'd like to believe he gotten his raspberry donut request just in a higher place with his wife Betty Jean Riddle along with others we remember as family. At a young age Steve and his three other siblings had ended up in an orphanage whom he has gained contact with as years went on. Their names were Gary, Sandy and Judy.

As soon as he could Stephen headed out to the army. If you heard anything about his stories, you'd come up with a description words like rebel, stubborn, fierce, and a fella who couldn't back down from a good dare or two every now and then. One thing we could all agree on was his strong will to move past things. I remember having a conversation and one of the things I asked him was "but were you scared in the army" I knew the answer was no, but to my surprise he had responded with. "Yeah, sometimes, I'm only human" afraid to be vulnerable in times where ears needed to hear it was not one of the things he was afraid of doing. his words were not only wisdom, but his truths. He had a heart filled with the Holy Spirit and after compelling arguments and advice ending with "well that's life" I hope everyone carries him in every decision we make keeping his memory alive, may his lessons not to pass us by, for he was a great leader that will lead the way furthermore as we take the next steps in life.

He was a husband, father, brother, grandpa, and friend. after the army he went on and started his family of five. His children's names were Bruce Todd, Riddle, Stephen, Leroy, Riddle, Junior, Tammy, Lynn, Smith, Elizabeth, and Muniz, and Pamela, Elaine Riddle. Steve was a man of many hobbies from keeping an eye for crimes on his police scanner to collecting rocks, coins, etc., and taking long sails on his boats, another memory I have so fondly of him was getting on his lawnmower with a wagon full of kids to follow him down to the creek. Making sure we clean up along the way but knowing to step out from life, enjoy the little things. Definitely a humble human life with such a rich soul filled with love to those who needed it. Every greeting from him would end up with a firm handshake, and a warm embraced hug with a big wet kiss as soon as you step in the door. With a "love yah" response and that I know many of us will miss the most.

This upcoming Tuesday, December 31, 2024, we gather around to celebrate Steve's walk of life on earth one last time as a family. Steve donated 50$ from each check to charities such as The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and others. So, in memory of the family's request that donations be made to the same cause which is the cystic fibrosis foundation for his last impact. Looking for a step closer cure to his granddaughter's lung condition was always one of his biggest dreams. Steve will be missed by all who knew him. I say this with a grieving heart that It's okay to miss somebody after they have passed on...to feel a little sad, just know that sadness is a gift, a lovely thing to feel because it means you really loved them. When you miss a person, it makes you feel close to a loved one in a strange way. So, remember the kisses and the hugs they gave so freely. it just means he made you so happy, so be happy to have all the memories so you can celebrate them and miss them at the same time. Ps he loves you. So, heal in his name.

Steve's Funeral will be held at Chappell Funeral Home Tuesday, December 31, at 11:00am with an hour's visitation before. Graveside service to follow at Lee Township Cemetery.