Eleanore Virginia Riddell

Eleanore “Ellie” Riddell 1921-2023 A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Eleanore “Ellie” Riddell of Newberg, Ore., died Sept 8, 2023 at age 102 and ½. She passed away at Willamette Valley Medical Center in McMinnville, Ore., as a result of a sudden respiratory ailment. She was adored by her entire family -- to whom she was deeply devoted -- and admired by many as a spunky gal who lived life to the fullest. Her Christian faith brought her through many challenges -- particularly the loss of four family members (her husband, a son, and a son-in-law and daughter-in-law) in 1981 from a plane crash in Alaska. She maintained an optimistic and energetic attitude toward life despite such an overwhelming tragedy. Ellie was born Feb. 16, 1921 in Seattle, Wash., to Isaac and Ella Comeaux. She grew up in West Seattle, and at the time of her death was likely the oldest living alumnus of West Seattle High School as a member of the Class of 1939. Ellie graduated from the University of Washington, and became one of the first women engineers at Boeing Aircraft. It was at the university that she met her husband Norm Riddell, who eventually had a dental practice of many years in Juneau, Alaska. She and Norm retired in 1979 to Anacortes, Washington, and over the years Ellie lived in both Seattle and Anacortes until she moved to Newberg in 2020 to live with family. In both Anacortes and Newberg she became a local celebrity of sorts because of the long walks she enjoyed even at her very advanced age. Even until just two months ago, she was walking a full mile nonstop every day at the indoor track in Newberg. Her mind remained sharp to the end and she especially enjoyed following both financial and political news daily. In addition to her husband Norm, Ellie was preceded in death by son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Judy Riddell; son-in-law Rob Mourant and brothers Justin and Ted Comeaux. She is survived by son and daughter-in-law Richard and Johanna Riddell of Canning, Nova Scotia, Canada; daughter and son-in-law Sandra and John Fortmeyer of Newberg; six grandchildren -- Ryan, David and Megan Fortmeyer, Laura Olson, and Malcolm and Ophelia Riddell; nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 at Newberg Church of the Nazarene, 23177 Old Yamhill Road in Newberg.

Eleanore Virginia Riddell

February 16, 1921 - September 8, 2023