Michael Ronald Riddle, 78, of Ventura, California, passed away on May 31, 2025 in his home, surrounded by his family and caregiver Scotty. Michael was born in Inglewood, CA. to parents JD Gamalia Riddle and Ruby Garldene Riddle on January 6, 1947. His parents were born in Oklahoma and eventually settled in Oak View. Mike went to Ventura High School and graduated in 1964. Michael was inducted by the US Army in 1966. He served two years in the Vietnam War. Mike received numerous medals including the Medal of Valor for “exceptionally heroic actions in connection with military operations against a hostile force on 3 October 1967 in the Republic of Vietnam while assigned to Company E, 3d Battalion, 7th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. Specialist Riddle’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the finest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, and the United States Army.”
Returning to California, he received Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Cal Poly Pomona. Michael majored in Botany and was a Professor of Botany, Biology and Human Anatomy. He taught at Southwestern College and at Ventura College before retiring in 2020. Colleague and friend Mike Clark said: “For four decades more than 20,000 students benefited from his pointed lectures and storytelling. He was recognized by a characteristic loud laugh, and groups of students at his office door. I am sure that not one of them will avoid a tear upon hearing of his passing.”
Michael is survived by his spouse, Eileen (Miller) Riddle, children Matthew Fred Riddle, Madeleine Audra (Riddle) Wolfe and son-in-law Jacob Phillip Wolfe. Mike is survived by brothers Tom Riddle, Bob Riddle and sister Susan Harris. Nieces and nephews include; Maria Pryor, Cindy Newman, James Riddle, David Michael Riddle, Damon Riddle, Robert Riddle, Justin Riddle, Julie Ross and Loni Delcambre.
He was preceded in death by his son JD Michael Riddle, brother Gary Riddle and sister Lucille (Riddle) King. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Assisted Caregivers and Assisted Hospice of Ventura. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County, P.O. Box 3218, Ventura, California, 93006-3218.
“It’s all good. Go to sleep. I got you.” These words have been said to every combat soldier in every war down through history. This life watch ritual is part of the soldier’s bond to look after your brother in arms and keep him safe. As his friend Mike Braun said, “I can only hope right before he took his last breath, he heard God say, ‘It’s all good. Go to sleep. I got you.’”
Family and friends are invited to visiting hour to be held on Monday evening, June 16, 2025, from 5 to 8pm in the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura.
Graveside funeral services with Military Honors will be held at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park on Tuesday, June 17th at 1:45 PM with Pastor Jeff Mattesich officiating.