Mary Ann Stickling

ALL Heaven must have rejoiced as a dear Servant of Our Lord, Mary Ann Riddle Stickling, was welcomed home on September, 10, 2012. Born March 12, 1917 in New Orleans, LA., Mary lived an extraordinary life of difficulty and prosperity from the Great Depression through to the 21st Century, living most of that time at her home at 422 Joseph Street in New Orleans as a loving Mother and dedicated wife. At age 95 she now rejoins her husband Charles O. Stickling, who worked for Pan Am Oil Co. and passed away in 1965. She was also preceded in death by her parents William and Leona Riddle and her two brothers William and Max Riddle, sister Laura Riddle Reugger, and niece, Elizabeth Reugger Montgomery.
Mary was a pillar of strength and stamina to her family during her 48 years as a widow. She went to work at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, LA. after her husband's death and retired in 1982 when she moved to Pass Christian, MS. to be near her sister, Laura Riddle Reugger. They attended Mass every Sunday at St. Paul Catholic Church where Mary was a member of the Altar Society, the VFW and loved visiting the sick in the hospital. She received so much joy working in her beautiful flower gardens. Many people drove down her street to pause and enjoy seeing her flowers, particularly her spectacular rose gardens.
At age 88, Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005 and took Mary's home and lifelong possessions, including her wedding photos with her beloved husband, Charles. With little more than the clothes on her back, she relocated to Port Vincent, La. to live with her son William and wife, Judy until she could ""get back on her feet"", as she put it.
She began each day by getting up at 6am, and, after saying her prayers, she was driving herself to the Senior Center in Gonzales, LA. where she enjoyed making new friends and loved playing Bingo. In addition, she began making plans to build a new home beside son, William, and in about 1-1/2 yrs, she moved into that new home. She insisted on being independent, especially driving herself.
In 2008, her eldest son, Charles, retired and came home to be with her and care for her as she was beginning to show weakness. She had even voluntarily given up driving.
Mary raised a loving family and is survived by her three sons: Charles, William and wife Judy, Michael and wife Melody. She is also survived by William's 3 children, Bryan Stickling and wife Sharon and their 2 sons Joshua and Jacob; Daughter Shannon Stickling Richard and husband Terry and their 2 daughters Kayleigh and Madison; Melissa Stickling Craven and husband Michael and their son Gage. Son Michael's 4 children, Brent and Kyle Stickling; Daughters Victoria, and Veronica Stickling Dorrell and husband Greg, their 3 children Jacob, Kaysie and Joshua. She is also survived by nieces Lauralee Reugger and Lou Leger who have been Mary's pillars of support over the years.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm at St. Francis of Assisi, 631 State Street, New Orleans, LA. Viewing will begin at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow at Soniat #1 (St. Vincent) Cemetery, 1950 Soniat St, New Orleans.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to 14423 Cabell St. Port Vincent, La. 70726 or Email BillSticklin@eatel.net. Funeral arrangements were handled by RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport and the online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com.