Jean Elizabeth Riddle (Larue)

Jean Elizabeth (LaRue) Riddle, 85, of Independence, MO, passed away on Sunday December 11, 2022 in Lee’s Summit, MO. She was born on November 13, 1937, in Junction City, KS to Theodore Joseph and Lena Margaret (Clover) LaRue. The LaRue family settled in Erie Kansas where Jean graduated from Erie High School in 1955. She went on to earn a B.S. in Biology from Baker University in 1959. After graduating, Jean launched a career as a Medical Technologist, where she worked at Independence Regional Hospital for 30 years. In the mid-80s Jean pursued a career in real estate, becoming a licensed REALTOR and real estate investor.
Jean was proud of her Kansas origins and enjoyed learning all about the state’s great history. She was an avid reader and had particular interest in Lewis and Clark tales, the history of Independence and Harry S Truman, as well as prairie ecology and conservation. Jean was forever curious of how everything worked and had a voracious appetite for knowledge. She came from an open-minded, loving family who welcomed the friendship and camaraderie of all the people they knew and met, creating bonds that lasted a lifetime. Jean embraced and lived this philosophy her entire life. She passed her immense work ethic, determination and drive, and enthusiasm for life on to her children and those around her, being a source of inspiration and admiration. Jean had many passions, one of them being aviation. She was a civilian pilot and was a member of the Ninety-Nines, a women’s flying organization, as well as the Mitchell Flying Club. Her other passions included raising chicken, geese, guinea hens and sheep, Kansas Flint Hills, traveling, crossword puzzles and music, particularly John Philip Sousa. Jean was a member of Trinity Presbyterian church of Independence. Her church family and community were very important to her, and she had the honor to serve and lead in many ways: She served as deacon, elder, a member of the choir, Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher, and served on numerous committees wherever there was a need. She was a board member of the Presbyterian Heartland Conference Center and volunteered as a camp counselor. Jean also served as a volunteer in women’s prison ministries.
Jean is survived by her three children; Clark Riddle, Alan (Mitzi Dawson) Riddle, Ruth (Nathan) Riddle-Ashcraft, three grandchildren; Clayton Riddle, Caleb Riddle, and Griffin Ashcraft, former daughter-in-law Amy and her daughters Lauren and Lindsey Moyer, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Riddle, parents Theodore and Margaret LaRue, brother Joe LaRue, and sister Judith LaRue who passed in childhood.
A visitation will be held for Jean from 4-6pm on Friday December 16, 2022, at Speaks Carson Chapel (1501 W. Lexington Ave, Independence, MO). Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday December 17, 2022, at Trinity Presbyterian Church (1400 W. Sheley Rd., Independence, MO).