Arlene T (Tate) Riddle

Arlene Tate Riddle came into this world on February 9, 1932 to Elgin and Christeene (Huffman) Tate in Tuttle, OK.  She may have been the middle child with 4 siblings, but she was the boss from the time she was born.  A visitation will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Commerce.  A funeral service will immediately follow at the Church of Christ beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be Saturday afternoon at Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Hainesville, (Pine Mills) TX.

Arlene’s family was dirt poor her entire childhood. But that did nothing but fuel her fire. She graduated from Tuttle High School in 1950. “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!” She then worked enough to make it possible to attend Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha, OK.  A viewing and visitation will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at the Church of Christ in Commerce.  A funeral service to celebrate Arlene's life will begin at 11:00 at the church.  Interment will take place Saturday afternoon at Mt. Pisgah cemetery in Hainesville, TX.

One summer, needing to make more money for college, she travelled to west Texas, where her brother was working in the oilfield. While working as a waitress, she met the love of her life, Raymond. Their union created an immediate family of 4. Raymond, Arlene, Maurine and Douglas. A year later, the final piece of their puzzle arrived, Diane. As much as Arlene loved being a wife and mother, she longed to finish her education. Raymond was determined to make that happen for her. He borrowed some money and got her back into college.   Arlene earned her degree! After moving from west Texas to Commerce. She began teaching Home-Ec at Commerce High School. Again, “Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger!”

She has been a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. God and family have always been the most important things to Arlene.

After losing Raymond too young, she reconnected with fellow teacher, Lloyd Wilkins, who had lost his wife.

Arlene did and saw many, many things and changes in her 92 years. But one thing is for sure, in all of those 92 years, she lived her life her way!

Those who were waiting to welcome her to Heaven with open arms include her parents, Elgin and Christeene, her forever love, Raymond, 3 children, Maurine, Douglas and Diane, sister, Ortha, brothers, Rephord and Curtis, grandsons Bobby and David.

Serving as Pallbearers are:  Greg Joslin, Brice Joslin, Scot Ansley, Micheal Ansley, Tony Delno, and Jeff Delno.