Tyla Jean Riddle

Tyla Jean Riddle

Richfield, Utah

Our beloved Tyla Jean Riddle died of a broken heart August 30, 2017 in the home she loved. The heart break was due to the devastating loss of her mother and best friend, Lola "Jean" Riddle, who departed this world only three months before. For the past 14 years, Tyla was the constant and loving live-in companion of her mother. Hundreds and hundreds of hours were shared as Tyla read aloud to mom countless carefully selected books ranging from autobiographies, to fiction and nonfiction. This scene would not be complete without Zoey (Tyla’s dog/child) lounging silently in her bed or on the couch beside Tyla. They scheduled specific times to watch, with a critical eye, and discuss favorite reality TV programs. Bachelors, bachelorettes and Survivor contestants were analyzed, favorites and villains chosen and opinions shared in a manner befitting close friends. While there was not always agreement, the disagreement was never contentious. It was an uplifting experience and a journey of immense mutual benefit.

In recent years, the companionship evolved to that of care giver and all it implies. When her mother started to struggle with the day to day responsibilities and burdens associated with managing nine rental properties, Tyla stepped up and shouldered that responsibility for her. Tyla embraced her new role with commitment to ensure it met mother’s approval.

Tyla Jean Riddle was born January 22, 1963 into the loving home of Forrest & Jean Riddle. She was the youngest of five children and nine years younger than Racquel, her "big sister" with whom a lifelong loving bond was formed. Growing up she preferred animals to people. At age 5, she felt very comfortable riding her horses with or without a saddle. Naming her animal friends was classic Tyla. Her first horse was named "Beaver D" and her favorite was "Taco"; she named her pet skunk "Flower", a bottle-fed lamb became "Camel" (appropriate because of its humped back) and a parakeet she dubbed "Tweety." No sacrifice was too great when protecting these friends. She was about 10 when she found Tweety face down in the toilet not breathing. Tyla spontaneously gave her mouth-to-mouth, Tweety was again her normal self and Tyla was elated.

Tyla graduated from Richfield High School in 1981 and attended the University of Utah. She found employment with the Salt Lake County Health Department. When she moved home to Richfield, she wrote, produced and sold radio commercials for KSVC which covered Central Utah. In 1995, she earned her real estate license and became affiliated with real estate brokerages serving Sevier County.

She is survived by her sisters: Racquel Riddle Bishop, Rosalee Riddle and Marsha Riddle; brothers: David Blair Riddle, Layne Guy Riddle and Milo E. Bishop; 12 nieces/nephews; 23 great- nieces/nephews; 5 great-great-nieces/nephews; aunts: Lila Gaye (Garret) Billings, Bonnie Bolton, Delores Nielson and Mary Lou Nielson.

She was preceded in death by her parents Forrest and Jean Riddle and brother Rand Lee Riddle.

Funeral services will be held on Friday September 8, 2017 at 12:00 Noon in the Magleby Mortuary Chapel where friends may call on Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. or Friday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. The casket will be closed per Tyla’s wishes. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Utah. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com