Betty Lee Riddle, 97, of La Fontaine, passed away at 3:20 p.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Rolling Meadows Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born on September 15, 1928, in Pierpont, West Virginia, to William and Lela (Halsey) Morgan.
Betty moved to Marion, Indiana, as a young woman and began working as a waitress at the Marion Hotel. It was there, in 1949, that she met the love of her life, Walter “Walt” G. Riddle. The two married on February 25, 1950, in Louisville, Kentucky. During their early years together, they lived in several places “chasing the dream,” performing on radio shows, entertaining soldiers at Fort Knox, and playing in clubs and auditoriums. Betty, Walt “Jock,” and her brother‑in‑law, George Riddle, often performed as a trio. Many never knew that Betty played the standing bass and possessed a beautiful singing voice.
Eventually, homesickness brought them back to Marion, where Betty continued her passion for waitressing. She worked at Rosie’s Little Italy before being invited to join the staff at the newly built Sheraton in 1980. She remained there until her retirement on December 31, 1994. Over the years, Betty made countless friends and touched many lives through her warmth, humor, and dedication to her work.
Betty cherished her family deeply. She held a special love for her nieces, Terri White, Karen (Rex) Malott, Annette Block and Sue Smith who played an important role in her life, and for her nephew, Morton Purvis, who supported and cared for her after Walt’s passing. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever treasure her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Walt; her daughter, Penny Gale Riddle; her brother, Paul Morgan; and her sisters, Ronda Morgan, Eve McGuire, Mame Mecum, and Geraldine Baker.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Needham‑Storey‑Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana.
A celebration of Betty’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Mick Simpkins officiating. Burial will follow at Estates of Serenity.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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