Kathryn Riddle

Kathryn R. "Jakie" Riddle, 97, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, at Ratliff Care Center.

She was born Nov. 6, 1921, in Osceola, Arkansas, to Rufus A. and Floy Ramsey. She graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1939. She married John W. Jones of Van Wert, Iowa, Jan. 4, 1942.

During their marriage, they lived in Grand Island, Nebraska, where Jakie worked as a florist. They later moved to McCook, Nebraska, where she worked in the jewelry store they owned together. They divorced in 1967, and he died in December 1998.

Jakie married Arnold Riddle of Warrensburg, Missouri, Aug. 25, 1973. They lived in Warrensburg until Arnold retired in 1985, at which time they moved to Diamondhead, Mississippi. Arnold preceded her in death May 28, 1994.

Jakie was an avid golfer. She began playing when her son took up the game while he was in junior high school. She became proficient enough to win tournaments in southwest Nebraska and northwest Kansas. She also enjoyed playing bridge and making crafts.

How did she become known as "Jakie?" When she was a child, the family went to a circus, where there was a clown named Jake. When they returned home, Kathryn began to mimic what she had seen Jake the clown do. Her father began calling her "Jake," and it became "Jakie."

Jakie is survived by her son, John M, (Paula) Jones of Lincoln, Nebraska; granddaughter, Kelly A. (Derek) Case; great-grandchildren Emily and Evan Case, all of St. Louis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Beatrice Rydstrom, Floy Sample and Pollyanna Grafner; and granddaughter, Jennifer Miles.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorials to Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau, where Jakie was a long-time member.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. April 27 at Christ Episcopal Church in Cape Girardeau. Attendees are welcome to wear red in honor of Jakie's favorite color.

Arrangements are courtesy of Ford and Sons Funeral Home.