William Ross Riddle Jr

William (Bill) Ross Riddle Jr of Ottawa, Illinois, died in the Accentcare Hospice Center on April 8th, 2023. He was 68 years old.

Bill was born on March 30th, 1955, to William Ross Riddle Sr and Mary Louise Riddle Risner. He was the first of four children, including Leslie, Tina, and John by his parents, and the oldest of eight children including stepsiblings Claudia, Valerie, Joe, and Andrew as part of his mother’s second marriage to Richard, after the loss of his father. As a child, Bill loved Baseball, Hockey, and playing the drums. He was exceptionally talented, and a proud, resourceful part of Indian Guides and Boy Scouts organizations. He had a gift for drawing and was a master craftsman. After high school, Bill joined the Navy and when he could not fulfill his dream of being a SEAL, because of his asthma, he had an honorable discharge after his time of service. A real adventurer, Bill traveled through the US for three years before coming back home. For part of his career, he worked closely with his father in his painting and decorating business. They had a lot of good times while working together. Later, on his own as a construction job supervisor, and in his own construction business, Rely-a-Bill, he built many beautiful homes for people. Doing what he loved, he fell and broke his back and became disabled and unable to work. He made the best of his time.

Bill always had big ideas and worked hard to implement them. He loved a good practical joke, always leaving the people around him laughing. He lived life on his own terms, and he was happy.  He loved the town of Ottawa he had made his home.

Bill was a sweet, kind, and loving son, brother, and uncle, and his friends and family will miss him. Bill was proceeded in death by his wife, Marcia, his parents Mary & Bill Sr, stepfather Richard, and stepbrother Andrew.

A visitation will be held from 12:00 until 3:00pm, on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at Ottawa Funeral Home. A funeral ceremony will follow at 3:00pm, at the funeral home, with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating.