Helen M. Riddle

Helen M. Riddle was called by the Lord on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from the home she and her husband built at 483 Honey Lane in St. Marys.

She was born August 16, 1934 on a farm in Kersey, daughter of the late Francis and Helen Dietz Gahr.  On July 9, 1955, in St. Boniface Church, Helen married Marvin Riddle, who survives.  They recently were blessed to celebrate seventy years of marriage.  In addition to raising seven children, they enjoyed camping with the family. In their later years they traveled in the United States, Europe and the Holy Land.  For many years she, along with Marvin hosted Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.  Their five-pointed star was an annual tradition shining its light over Bucktail Trail.

Throughout her 91 years Helen was a resident and a dedicated member of the Elk County community, as a leader of 4H for many years, an active member of the Elk County Farm Bureau volunteering at the Elk County Fair, and Queen of the World Church where she was a member of the Rosary Altar Society and as a volunteer for the church and school.  She was an avid gardener and was well known for her beeswax candles in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes. She enjoyed designing and making quilts for each of her children and grandchildren as well as cooking for her husband and family.  Her sticky cinnamon rolls, spaetzle soup and endive salad were particular favorites.

In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by her children: Mary Donatella of Hamilton, VA, Ann Riddle of Bellefonte, PA, Michael Riddle (Teresa) of St. Marys, Karen Friedman (John) of Hardeeville, SC, Martin Riddle (Janine) of St. Marys, and David Riddle (Missy) of St. Marys; twelve grandchildren (Joseph, Sami, Charlie, Quirin, Catherine, Alex, Ben, Peter, Hunter, Jenna, Matthew and Cassey); eight great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Anne Riddle of St. Marys; a sister, Frances “Penny” Thomas of Russell Springs, KY; a brother, Raymond Gahr (Diana) of Kersey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Christopher Riddle; two sisters: Rosemary Mattiuz and Cecelia Krise; and two brothers in infancy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Queen of the World Church on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00AM with Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, celebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be held in Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4:00PM until 7:00PM.

Memorial donations, if desired, may be made to Queen of the World Church, 134 Queens Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.