Evelyn Lesitta Riddle

Evelyn Lesitta Riddle, 95, of Topeka, was called to her Eternal Life on Friday, February 25, 2022.

Evelyn was born in Portland, Oregon on December 1, 1926, the daughter of Abelona Elsabe and Roy K. Robertson.
The family made their home in Coos Bay, Oregon until Evelyn's mother contracted Tuberculosis. Her father returned to Portland to work, while she and her mother moved to Hahn's Peak, Colorado where her grandmother could care for them. Evelyn was eight years old when her mother died in 1934. She only saw her father a few more times prior to his death four years later in 1938. At the age of twelve she continued to live with her Grandma Mahler and attend school in Hahn's Peak. In order to attend high school she moved to Steamboat Springs to live with her aunt and uncle.

Her Grandma Mahler and Uncle Hans were the two most important people in Evelyn's young life. Grandma Mahler taught her how to cook on a coal burning stove and Uncle Hans taught her how to ski. They raised her to be a strong, determined and independent person.

After high school graduation Evelyn and a friend applied to nursing school on a government scholarship where, after completing the course-work, they were to join the war effort as military nurses. They left Steamboat on a great adventure to study at Newman Hospital School of Nursing in Emporia, KS. The war ended before graduation so she stayed at Newman Hospital where she worked as a registered nurse. Work at Newman Hospital was the beginning of a life-long career in nursing. She took great pride in her profession.

In Emporia Evelyn met the love of her life, Robert Earl (Bob) Riddle. They were married on January 14, 1948. As newlyweds she and Bob would drive to Kansas City, dance all night to the big bands and drive back to Emporia in time for work the next day. In 1951, they moved to Topeka where they raised two children. Evelyn worked as a homemaker and as a cook at Highland Park North Elementary School when her children were young and eventually went back to work as a full-time nurse at Stormont-Vail Hospital.

After Bob passed away in 1987, she continued to work at Stormont Vail until retirement. Shortly after her retirement she was asked to return to nursing as an RN at Brewster Place where she worked for ten years. During this time she also volunteered at the American Red Cross. Eventually she returned to Brewster Place as a resident.

Family and friends were the most important part of her life. She loved being part of Bob's extended family, organizing family dinners and luncheons with friends. Evelyn remembered every special occasion for her immediate family and loved sending goody boxes (to everyone's delight). Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Evelyn is survived by her children and their spouses Pamela Kay Franz (Joe) of Lakewood, Colorado and Robert Michael Riddle (Maria) of Boise, Idaho and two grandsons John Robert Riddle, Boise, Idaho and Andrew Michael Riddle, Homer, Alaska.

As per Evelyn's wishes, cremation has taken place and no public services will be held. Private inurnment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Capper Foundation, 3500 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66604.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave. is assisting the family with service arrangements.

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