Dorreen Riddle

There are some people who live their lives just going through the motions, their lives seeming to fade into the everyday tapestry of live. Then there are those who live their lives with vibrancy and zest, coloring the world with the multi-faceted layers of their personality, just by being who they are each and every day. Dorreen Riddle was an extraordinary woman who viewed each day as a hidden treasure to be celebrated, opened, and experienced to its fullest. Dorreen had a great sense of humor and she spent her days cherishing the thing she valued the most, her family. The year 1942 was a difficult year for our country as we were deeply involved in WWII, consequently wood was in short supply and as a result, there was a shortage of baseball bats and bowling pins within the world of sports. Franklin and Elvera (Larson) Suber, of Flint, Michigan were able to take their focus off the world around them and focus on their own exciting time, however; as Elvera was due to give birth to their sixth child at any time. They were indeed blessed on November 18, 1942 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Dorreen. Although these were financially difficult times for many American families, Dorreens family was blessed to grow their own food and they raised their own chickens and goats as well. Their family often canned their own foods and they made everything from scratch. There were seven children in Dorreen's family altogether and she formed especially close relationships with her two sisters, relationships that would be a cornerstone all throughout Dorreen's life. As a student, Dorreen attended Holly High, located in the small town of Holly, just outside of Flint. Here, she met an intriguing young man named Gary Riddle at the high school prom, although they were both with different dates at the time. A romance soon ensued between Dorreen and Gary and awhile later they were united in marriage. Although the marriage ended in divorce after 17 years, they were blessed with the births of three children, Scott, Jon, and Ami. Dorreen embraced her role as a mother, pouring herself into caring for her children and making sure that they each knew they were unconditionally loved. Their family created many memories that will be forever cherished, especially when they were vacationing at a cabin in West Branch, located in the northeastern portion of Michigan. Together their family also had great times of fun and laughter during the summer with Dorreens sister Dot and her family at the beach. Dorreen and her family always remained close with family members that were located on the other side of the state, often gathering together during the holidays. There were things that Dorreen really enjoyed that made her the unique individual that her family knew and loved. She developed a passion for playing softball as adult. She even played on multiple state championship teams over the years. She played softball every summer, she learned to play golf as well, and during the winter, she bowled often. Dorreen inherited a green thumb from her father and loved to grow both vegetables and flowers and she especially loved her glorious roses, a difficult flower to master. Dorreen was never afraid of hard work and her gardens were proof of her attention to detail. Dorreens hard work and dedication led her to her position as a manager at the Highway Inn, located in Grand Haven, for 30 years as well. Dorreen always enjoyed the companionship of pets, most notably of her dogs including Corky, Smitty, and more recently, Brody. Dorreen also loved her precious cat, Annie. Family was always an important cornerstone in Dorreens life and she had a desire to gather the extended family together during the summer so she organized the annual family cook-off. This gathering was always held the first weekend following the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. This family tradition was held at various locations over the past 12 years and this provided the backdrop for many great times filled with laughter and joy. A different dish was chosen each year and there was a variety of categories including best presentation and best taste, among others. There were even prizes and trophies awarded and the biggest loser won a rubber chicken which needed to be proudly displayed in the kitchen of the recipient until the following year! Although Dorreen was a bit tough on the outside, she had a heart of gold on the inside. She was compassionate and kind, often setting aside her own needs to tend to the needs of others. She tenderly cared for her aging parents; she lovingly cared for her father at home during his battle with Lou Gehrigs disease and Dorreens mother lived with her for 18 years until her death as well. Dorreen was a straightforward woman who always spoke her mind, yet never inappropriately, who held her family in the highest regard and she valued her friends as precious gems. She was outspoken about the things she felt passionate about and like a ray of sunshine, brightened the days of those around her. Dorreen was sensitive and hard working and she spent a lifetime making memories that will be forever cherished by all those she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed. Dorreen A. Riddle, of Grand Haven, died on Monday, February 9, 2009. Dorreens family includes her sons, Scott (Gerry) Riddle of CA, Jon Riddle of Grand Haven; daughter, Ami (John) Baldus of CA; grandchildren, Daniel Baldus, Samantha Baldus; brothers, Dean (Marian) Suber of Three Rivers, Darrell (Claudette) Suber of Holly, Douglas (Barb) Suber of Nunica; sisters, Dortha (Buck) Pfahlert of Metamora, Debborah (Wally) DeMeyer of White Pigeon. She was preceded in death by her parents & brother Dennis. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 13, 2009, 12:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Grand Haven location - Grand Haven, MI with Fr. William Langlois officiating. Visit with Dorreens family and friends on Friday, One half hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.