Norma “Darlene” Riddle Wallace of Tuscaloosa, went to be with her Heavenly Father on December, 20, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 10 years ago and was a courageous fighter to the end. Mrs. Riddle-Wallace was born on January 17, 1935 in Martha, Oklahoma to the late James T. Gant and Oleta White Gant.
A graveside service will be held at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park Thursday December 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Dr. Gil McKee officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30– 1:30 pm at Heritage Chapel prior to services with Heritage Chapel Funeral Home & Cremations, A Dignity Memorial Provider directing.
On February 25, 1954, she married Robert A. Riddle. Some years later after his death in 1991, she married Claude F. Wallace, Jr. on April 24, 2005. Mr. Wallace passed away in 2015. She is also preceded in death by grandson Daniel Aarhus.
Mrs. Wallace was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. The two most important things in her life were serving the Lord and her family. After marrying Bob, they moved to Miami, Oklahoma for a short time, then to Akron, Ohio and finally settling in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where she raised her family and lived her remaining life. When her children reached teenage years, she returned to work and was employed at Uniroyal Goodrich Tire plant until her retirement in 1996.
She was an active member of First Baptist Church, serving on many committees, and volunteered in the Senior Adults Triple L assisting with travel for the group (until her illness). She was able to travel seeing God’s creation and was blessed by her trip to the Holy Land. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Alabama One Credit Union for several years. One of her favorite things was to cook for her family and friends. She was known for her cinnamon rolls and peanut brittle. She enjoyed watching all types of sports on television especially football. She enjoyed playing any kind of game from Bridge, Dominoes, and board games. She really enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Darla Riddle Perry (Wes) of Northport, Alabama, son, James A. Riddle (Cindy) of Bakersfield, California; Step children, Danny Wallace (Cheryl) of Tuscaloosa; Suzi Yaeger (David) of Tuscaloosa; her brother, Joe C. Gant of Plano, Texas, her sister, Gayle Jones of Mesquite, Texas, her grandchildren, Melissa Riddle, Carmen Vogeler (Troy), Kristen Heath (Adam), Erick Henson, Megan Sewell, (Collin) Trevor Wallace (Courtney), Matthew Yaeger (Ellie), Claudia Ann Williams (Jimbo); Daniel and great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are Doris Novatnak, Ernestine Walker, Sara Allen, Thomas H. Mullen, Wade and Princess Miller, John Dee Carruth, Grace Lamon, Dr. Hayse and Peggy Boyd, members of Good Samaritan Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, and Dr. Brian Wilhite. Also, a special thanks to Hospice of West Alabama for the compassionate care for Darlene.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa.
Condolences may be offered at www.HeritageChapelTuscaloosa.com
