Mary Helen (Riddle) Mills of Marion

Mary Helen (Riddle) Mills, 64, of Marion, Illinois, passed away at home on Feb. 25, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born to Arvin and Helen Riddle on Jan. 19, 1955 in Baltimore, Maryland. Mary was raised in California before moving to Illinois her senior year of high school, where she graduated from Herrin High School in 1974.

She leaves as her legacy five children: Jerri Lynn (Chris) Menckowski; Mandy (Raymie) Walters; Victoria (Mark) Lanford; James Mills and Arvin "Jack" Mills.

She also leaves to cherish her memory two siblings, Pamela (Marc) Nyman and Debbie (Terry) Griffith, both of Marion; her niece Candace Sentmore and nephews Michael Nyman and Jason Griffith. Her grandchildren remember her as their generous, fun-loving Nana. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Arvin and Helen Riddle, her brother Philip Riddle and a beloved daughter, Lora Jean Boles.

Mary retired as a counselor for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. She was also active in several employee organizations.

Mary was passionate about gardening and enjoyed caring for all animals. She was a talented painter and craft enthusiast.

She was a dear friend and always welcoming to those in need. Her children remember her selfless example as a dedicated mother who was fiercely loyal to her family.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27 at Samson's Whitetail Mountain Lodge, 305 Palo Pinto Lane, in Vienna, IL. Bring a story and share a memory of Mary.