In the comfort of her home with her family, Frances Marie (Werth) Riddle, 82, passed away on March 1, 2023.
Frances, "Fran," was born in Schoenchen, Kansas, to Alfred and Juletta Werth, decedents of Alex and Bernadette Werth. Her family moved to Salina in 1942, where she attended and graduated from Salina Sacred Heart. Following graduation, Fran met and married, Carl Riddle. Together, they raised five children who were the center of their universe. Always the selfless and proud mother, she supported each child on their paths to adulthood, never missing an opportunity to volunteer for one of their many activities including Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Salina Silver Sabres Drum and Bugle Corps, Marching Band, sports, or their other interests.
As her family matured, Fran began a career at Beech Aircraft eventually moving to Wichita where she retired as a crew chief in the Avionics Department after thirty years of service. Never one to sit idle, Fran was an excellent cook while never missing an opportunity to prepare a family feast, a meal for a sick friend, or bake a pie for any cause. She was a member of Wichita Central Christian Church where she enjoyed being a member of the Encouragers Class and the church choir. She was an avid K-State fan and a member of the Good Time Cloggers, all while continuing a second work career at Derby Steele Technologies before officially retiring and returning to Salina.
Fran above all else, loved and served the Lord while cherishing many friendships she made through the Church and her faith. After retiring and returning to Salina, she became a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church while often attending daily mass at one of the three Catholic churches in Salina.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Marnita) Riddle of Duluth, Georgia, Catherine (Don) Craig of Oronogo, Missouri, Mark Riddle of Seven Hills, Ohio, Theresa Riddle-Clark of Hays, Kansas, and Cindy (David) Turner of Salina, Kansas. Fran is also survived by six grandchildren, Chris and Jeff Boaz, Austin and Emily Riddle (Tyler Rowson), and Zach and Zeb Turner (Sadie Farris); and great-grandchildren, Saylor, Chaser and Knox Boaz. Fran was a devoted sister to LaDonna (Bob) Kasparek and brother, Keith (Deby) Werth. Other cherished members of Fran’s extended family include Karl Boaz, Jason Clark, numerous nieces and nephews, and life long friend, Verna Bender.
She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Wayne Werth, sister, Stella Werth, and a great granddaughter, Scarlett Riddle-Rowson.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, 500 S. Ohio St. from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, with the Rosary beginning at 6:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1000 Burr Oak Lane, on March 6, 2023, at 10:00 am, with Father Keith Weber officiating. Burial will follow at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Basement Renovation Project, in care of the funeral home.