“Do not fear, just believe” Mark 5:36
The circle continues to be unbroken as our eternal family welcomed Tennella Lomell Riddle Walker into their midst from her earthly home on Sept. 7, 2024. She was 97 years old.
Tena was a true West Texan, born in Fluvanna and spending her entire life living in the flat, dry land west of Fort Worth. She was the oldest daughter of Jimmy and Oma Riddle, with three brothers and two sisters. Because of limited educational opportunities, Tena and her sister Lavelle (Togs) lived by themselves in the larger city of Snyder beginning at age 14 and staying for the remainder of her schooling. She would often recount this time not of hardship, but of fun and excitement!
Following high school graduation, Tena found employment with Western Union in San Antonio where among other things, she learned to ice skate and cook Mexican food which became her signature trademark for family and friends. More importantly, Tena met a handsome World War II veteran, Dale (Wayne) who shortly thereafter became her husband. Their marriage would last 62 years.
While in San Antonio, their daughter Cindy was born in 1949. Observing economic prospects in the booming post war oil fields of the Permian Basin, the family moved to Odessa in 1953. Their son Kent was born in 1961. Dale and Tena recalled the Odessa years as some of the happiest, developing life long friendships and providing opportunities for their children which they themselves had never known. They remained ardent Permian Panther fans their entire lives.
The couple always functioned as a team. Dale worked for Gulf Oil, but also had a sideline business in upholstry and taught at Odessa College. Tena eventually became City Secretary of Odessa organizing council meetings and setting agendas.
Tragedy struck the family in 1973 when their daughter Cindy was killed in an airplane accident. Dale and Tena faced this event with courage and resiliency. Although this was difficult for the entire family, Tena particularly would bear an emotional scar for the remainder of her life.
Upon retirement in 1986, the couple moved to a pecan farm in Carbon where Dale became engulfed in all things agricultural. Never one to be complacent, Tena was involved in church activities, sewing and crafts, the Eastland Library, and of course her beloved grandchildren. She treasured her visits with her grandsons, Collin and Sam, and would reluctantly fry squirrel for them which they considered a delicacy! Dale and Tena also loved to entertain friends and family with fish frys, homemade blackberry wine, and games. Tena was also known to occasionally make a mean margarita.
Tena was predeceased by her parents Jimmy and Oma Riddle, her husband Dale, daughter Cindy and grandson Collin. She is survived by her son Kent (Ginger) and grandson Sam. She is also survived by her sister Francis Unger (David).
The family would especially like to thank the invaluable talents of Tena’s caregivers, Trina Brown, Sheila Herrera, and Kathy Sharp. Their remarkable dedication made it possible for Tena to complete her journey without leaving her house and the farm.
Services are scheduled at the Eastland Baptist Church, Saturday, September 21 at 2:00pm. There will be a box of giraffes, Tena’s favorite animal, in the church foyer. She had so many giraffes in her collection that the family simply cannot absorb them all. Please feel free to take one (or more) in remembrance of Tena.
