Fulton County's oldest citizen, remarkable supercentenarian, Irma Opal Riddle, 106, Wynnfield Crossing, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Friday. She was born in Mackinaw, Ill., on Dec. 13, 1904, to Henry and Mary (Schwartzentucker) Schertz, living nearly her entire life in Richland Township. Of Mennonite heritage, she shared her childhood with her older sister Fern. Irma witnessed vast changes during her life of over a century. Their only transportation was a double-seated surrey with a fringe on top. Street cars were available only a few blocks from home. Food was kept cold with a block of ice placed in the icebox. In 1913, Irma's family moved to Hamlet, on a farm. Two windmills furnished their water. She walked to school about 1 1/4 miles to a one-room schoolhouse. In the winter, a neighbor picked the girls up with a bobsled. Horses were used on the farm. Coal-oil lamps were used for light. For amusement, the sisters went to Nickelodeons, a theater house, which cost a nickel to see a silent black-and-white movie with piano music. In 1918, her family moved to Rochester and purchased the hardware store known for many years as Black & Bailey Hardware. Irma met Charles Riddle at church. She entered a contest by WHT studio in Chicago, located in the Wrigley Building. She won and the two went by train to Chicago and were married by Charles' brother, the Rev. Earl Riddle, over the radio on June 1, 1926. Many merchants gave them gifts, a Rolls Royce took them to places of interest for a week. After Charles' retirement, they enjoyed wintering at Fort Myers, Fla., for over 27 years. Their union produced three children, Charles Lee and wife Lola, Dorcas J. Van Duyne and husband Fredrick, and Norita K. Kuhn and husband John. Irma was a proud and vibrant matriarch of five generations as the family tree continued to grow with the additions of 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, three stepgrandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Fern Schwenk, and an infant grandchild. Annually, Irma planted a big, bountiful garden, and canned meat and vegetables. She raised strawberries and pickles and sold them off the farm. She also raised chickens, and sold eggs and homemade maple syrup. As a musician, Irma liked to play the piano and organ. Always busy with her hands, she was creative with crocheting and many other crafts. She also liked to read, especially books authored by Janette Oke. Irma worked as a "Grey Lady," volunteering for Woodlawn Hospital. In 1957 she was in the first class organized and volunteered for 44 years. She also volunteered at the Fulton County Museum. With great pride Irma graduated from Richland Center High School in 1922. She was proud to be the oldest graduate and the oldest member of her church. Irma was a faithful member of Tiosa Brethren Church for 85 years. She taught crafts in Bible school, taught children, played music and did many things for the Women's Missionary Society. She was also a member of the What Not Home Ec Club. A celebration of the life of Mrs. Irma Opal Riddle is at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Larry Stutzman officiating. June 1, 2011, marks the 85th wedding anniversary of Irma and Charles. Her earthly remains will be laid to eternally rest next to her beloved husband in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery. Friends may visit with her family from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice of Fulton County, Gideons, or the Tiosa Brethren Church. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at goodfamily@rtcol.com.