Irene Riddle

Irene Riddle (Mary Irene Hyland) was born on December 19, 1927 near Kensal, North Dakota on the family farm. She was one of eight children born to William (Wid) and Ethel Hyland. Both Wid and Ethel grew up in midwestern pioneering families who helped support a growing nation with productive family farms. Wid Hyland married Ethel Dunwoodie on February 7, 1914 in Edmunds, ND and settled near Kensal, ND. Having five older and two younger siblings both framed Irene’s duties and focused her responsibilities while growing up in Hyland Park. It was the two-story clapboard house on the family farm that Irene called home in her early years. The family farm was on the shores of Arrowwood Lake in east central North Dakota and provided a site for local recreation on the lake as well as weekend gatherings in the family-supported roller-skate rink. The Hyland family provided boat rides, rental skates, and refreshments for local families from World War I through the Great Depression years.

In 1937 the US Government acquired the family farm, and it was incorporated into the Arrowwood National Wildlife Refuge. Following new dreams, Wid, Ethel and family made their way west on familiar roads of depression era hope. They rested for a time in Pendleton, OR and moved to Yakima, WA where Wid opened a skating rink. They stayed there for seven years before settling in Sumner, WA in 1944. It was here that Irene completed high school, graduating in 1946.

Having experienced the Great Depression and World War II, Irene was ready for victory abroad and the post-war expansion at home. Her high school sweetheart, Dale Riddle, returned from Navy duty in the Pacific, graduated from high school, and embraced life in the rural Northwest. Irene and Dale were married on May 2, 1947 in the Sumner First Baptist Church. The newly married couple settled finally in Puyallup, WA in 1949 and bought the family home on 7th Ave. Their first child, Claudia, was born in 1948; Dalinda in 1949; Robin in 1953; Merry Beth in 1957; and Aaron in 1958. Dale found employment at Copeland Lumber Co. after the war where he continued until his retirement in 1982.

Irene was a member of the “greatest generation” struggling through the depression era and a world war but later transitioned to a mid-century mother raising a modern family with all the help that our industrial sector could muster. Irene was the foundation of the household and taught her five children Christian values and a work ethic that benefit all family members even today. With the maturation of her family she took on other challenges – volunteering at the local hospital and working for Copeland Lumber, the Puyallup Fair, and lastly, the Puyallup School District. Irene and Dale were part of the original group that presented, each year, a neighborhood theme and decorations to celebrate the Christmas season. Irene found her best creativity when the holiday season brought “Twinkle Lane” to the neighborhood. In later years, Irene enjoyed bowling, tole painting, and card games, becoming proficient at all these activities. Irene also enjoyed camping and fishing during her retirement years. Whether it was travel each winter to Arizona or a week together fishing at the Conconully Reservoir in eastern Washington, you could find her at the front of the line.

Irene’s five children, eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren brought great joy into her life.These included children and their spouses: Claudia (Rod) Clausnitzer, Dede Carlson, Robin (Cindy) Riddle, Merry Beth (Stan) Palmer, and Aaron Riddle; grandchildren: Ryan, Emmy, and Benjamin (Lisa) Clausnitzer; Stacy (Kris) Clawson; Stephanie (Cory) Bray; Joel (Tina) Riddle, Shannon Reichl, Sarah (Tim) Hatcher, and Cory Riddle; Brandon Palmer; and Andrew Uchiyama; great-grandchildren: Owen Clausnitzer, Clara Clawson, Ava Bray, Kade, Laden, and Zane Riddle, Dominique Reichl, Scarlett and Shawn Shay, Reiley Hatcher, and Sebastian Riddle.

Irene passed at the age of 98 on March 22, 2026 in Puyallup WA after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Dale, who passed away in 2012. She is also preceded in death by father Wid, mother Ethel, brothers Wayne, Russell, and Ronald, sisters Opal, Beulah, Myrna, and Beverly, son-in-law Dick Carlson, and grandson Shelby Carlson. The family will remember and miss her unselfish support and unconditional love in addition to her competitive spirit whether playing a hand of cards or trout fishing blue waters -- she shared her enthusiasm with family members – she was always a winner.

Visitation will be 12-2 pm on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Powers Funeral Home, Puyallup, WA. A memorial service will follow at 2 pm at Powers. In addition, a celebration of life gathering is planned at Harvest Gate Community Center at 4 pm – the address is 6101 89 th Street, Court E, Puyallup, WA.