Frieda Mae White

Frieda Mae (Ridlen) White Frieda Mae (Ridlen) White, 99, of Marion, passed away at 12:55 PM on Monday, December 17, 2012 at Carbondale Rehab and Nursing Center in Carbondale. A celebration of Frieda’s life will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 21, 2012 at Second Baptist Church in Marion (308 South Russell Street) with Dr. Judith Ridlen and Rev. Mark Mohler officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at the church on Friday. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of the arrangements. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Memorials may be given to Second Baptist Church, or charity of donor’s choice; envelopes will be available during services or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, P.O. Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Frieda was born on Saturday, April 19, 1913, at her parents’ home south of Marion in Williamson County, to Will and Josephine (Sneed) Ridlen. She married Claude K. White on Saturday, January 17, 1942, in Troy, MO; together they shared 66 years of marriage. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Gail and Linda White of Murphysboro; grandson and wife, Jeffrey and Toni Ledbetter of Carbondale; and great grandsons, Stephen Michael and Nicholas Alexander Ledbetter of Carbondale; sisters-in-law, Helen Ridlen of Champaign and Imogene White of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Frieda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son, Jerry Dale White; siblings, Herbert Ridlen, Willard Ridlen, Julia (Ridlen) Kimmel, unnamed infant brother, Carl Ridlen, Fred Ridlen, Aleta (Ridlen) Payne, and Samuel Ridlen. Frieda graduated from Brown’s Business College in Marion, and prepared herself for a long career in business, including working at the Ordill Ordnance Plant. For most of her career, she and her husband owned and operated Claude White Construction Company, and farms. Frieda managed the business office with great skill and thoroughness, until her retirement at age 86. Frieda had a kind disposition and great patience. Earlier in her life, she gardened extensively and preserved fruits and vegetables for the family. She was a longtime active member and Sunday School teacher of Second Baptist Church, and was known for her culinary offerings, especially her much requested chicken and dumplings. Until recently, she could entertain younger generations by reciting the alphabet backwards. Appreciation is expressed to the staff of Carbondale Rehab and Nursing Center and to the in-home caregivers who cared for Frieda’s daily needs over the past two years.