Novella E. Riddel, 100, of California

Novella Emma (Kalbaugh) Riddel passed away on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at her home in Leisure World, Seal Beach, Calif.

She was born Nov. 16, 1911, in Westernport, Md., to Benjamin and Martha Kalbaugh.  She grew up in western Maryland, graduating from Bruce High School in Westernport, Md. 

She met her husband, John Riddel while living in New Brighton, Pa., where they married on Dec. 24, 1932.  

Novella was a lifetime member of Eastern Star, attending Leisure World Community Church in Seal Beach, Calif. 

 Her greatest joy in life was her family and spending time with everyone. 

Novella loved to travel and was always ready to go anywhere.  Besides traveling the east and west coasts she and her son Jim went to Scotland to explore family history.   

Even at 100 she traveled to visit family in Pennsylvania and Ohio.  July 4, 2012, she spent with family at Geneva-on-the-Lake, Pa., attending a large family gathering. She was in Ohio to visit her son, spending summer months with family in Libby as well. 

 Novella loved to read, play cards and was an avid winner. She enjoyed stitchery, crochet and was always ready to help with anyone’s mending.  

During the years she had many devoted friends and extended family. Everyone who met her called her grandma.

In her later years while living in southern California, she became a passionate Los Angeles Laker’s fan, counting Koby Bryant as her favorite player.  

She was preceded in death by her husband John Riddel, in 1970 and an infant son, her parents, one sister and two brothers.  

She is survived by one daughter, Judy Zeh and Larry of Beaver Falls, Pa., son Dr. Jay Riddel and Donna Rae of Libby, son Jim Riddel and Kara of Granville, Ohio.  

Other survivors include grandchildren Scott Riddel of Libby, Dr. Joel Riddel and Joni of Libby, Ben Riddel and Xannie of Libby, Jenni Bickel and Jay of Sandpoint, Idaho, Mary Gelhausen and Adam of Spokane Valley, Wash., Heather Phillips and Tim of Newport Beach, Calif., Holly Riddel of Los Angeles, Calif., Dr. John Riddel and Kim of Walnut Creek, Calif., Dr. Todd Zeh of Southern Pines, N.C., and Dr. Chad Zeh and Mary of Beaver Falls, Pa.,  great-grandchildren, Luke and Joseph,  Phillips, Alec, David and Nathalie Riddel, Emily Zeh, Myea and Hadley Zeh, Jay and Trent Riddel, Gracie Bickel, Katie and Aidan Gelhausen, Tyler, Sophia and Jackson Riddel, numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. 

 Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, at Leisure World Community Church in Seal Beach, Calif.  

Cremation has taken place and interment will be at a later date in New Brighton, Pa.