Mary Louise Ash Davenport Riddle

Mrs. Mary Louise Ash Davenport Riddle, 94, passed away on October 10, 2012 at her home in Dahlonega, GA. Mrs. Riddle was born in Dahlonega on May 10, 1918 to Wesley L. Ash and Lula Hughes Ash. She was the oldest female of seven children. A graduate of Lumpkin County High School, she attended North Georgia College. She pioneered the Department of Family and Children Services in Lumpkin County and was named Director for over 35 years. Before that, she taught in a rural schoolroom in the county and was one of the first telephone operators in Dahlonega. She also worked part time for her mother at the Holly Theater. In her community, she belonged to a Good Will Circle, sat on the Housing Board Authority and, for many years, made visits to the nursing home with tapes from various churches for those not able to attend their churches. Mrs. Riddle was a faithful member of Dahlonega Baptist Church for over 80 years. At one time, she taught in the Youth Department. She also held the position of Church Historian for many years. Louise will always be remembered for putting God first in her life and personifying the Golden Rule to all of those around her. She was very generous to her family and friends and was the perfect role model for all to follow. To some, she will be remembered as the Farewell Lady a title she was given by her clients at the Department of Family and Children Services. Her love for cooking and playing gospel music is a dominant memory for anyone who entered her house. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Zeb L. Davenport and her second husband, L. G. Riddle; brothers, Brig. Gen Hughes L. Ash, W. Leon Ash, Roger Edward "Bud" Ash and Eugene (Jock) Ash; a sister, Mrs. Helen Ash Kuhn; two nieces, Miriam Ash Smith and Eleanor Ash Dalton; and a nephew, Lt. Col. H. L. (Sonny) Ash. Mrs. Riddle is survived by a sister, Mrs. Virginia Ash MacAllister of Smyrna, GA; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Carolyn Ash of Middleton, TN; and many loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and many special friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Dahlonega Baptist Church. The Rev. Bill Hutcheson will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Dahlonega. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 12 from 7:00 9:00 pm at the funeral home and on Saturday, October 13 from noon until 1:00 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Dahlonega Baptist Church. Arrangements by Dahlonega Funeral Home, 20 Gibson Rd., Dahlonega, GA, 30533, 706-864-DOVE