Barbara Joan (Ray) Riddle was born November 13, 1939, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. She passed away at the age of 86 at Tomah Health on September 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Barb graduated from Richland Center High School on May 29, 1957. She worked at the Borden Food Company until her marriage. In 1961, she was introduced to Richard Riddle by Richard’s aunt, Emily. The two began corresponding while Richard was serving on active duty with the Wisconsin National Guard at Fort Lewis, Washington. They were married on September 7, 1963, at the First Evangelical United Brethren Church in Richland Center, Wisconsin.
After their marriage, Barb and Richard moved to Tomah, where they raised their two daughters. Barb worked at Hill, Christensen & Company until her retirement.
Barb was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. She loved spending time outdoors, fishing, and taking camping trips in their RV. She treasured the many memories made at their cabin on Castle Rock Lake. Barb also loved to cook, cheer on the Badgers during football and basketball games, and most of all, spend time with her three grandchildren. She loved playing games and was very competitive, especially when it came to beating Dick at Yahtzee.
Barb is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard; her daughters, Suellen “Sue” (Tony) Farmer and Shelda (Carl) Siemianowski; and her grandchildren, Jared (Kristi) Farmer, Kelsey (Preston) McIntosh, and Austin Albertalli.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elgie and Veda (Hardy) Ray; and her siblings, Mildred (Loren) Unbehaun, Harriet (Bill) Johnston, Hilda (Everall) Burns, Willard (Betty) Ray, Rose (Keith) Burns, Nancy (Chuck) Stuckey, and Anita (Jim) Waterman.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice in Barb’s memory.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Tomah. Pastor Fran Hewuse will officiate. Burial will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Monday. The Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com
Torkelson Funeral Home
