Melba Ridings

October 1, 1930 - June 10, 2019

Amory— Melba L. Northington Ridings, 88, passed away Monday, June 10, 2019 at Shearer Richardson Nursing Home in Okolona. Born on October 1, 1930 in Splunge, she was a daughter of Raymond Vista and Eddie Mae Pickle Northington. Melba attended Splunge School during her childhood. She worked at Amory Garment as a bundler for 32 years, and retired in 1998. Melba was a faithful member of House of Prayer and her faith was a cornerstone in her life. She enjoyed reading her bible and attending church services. Melba loved the outdoors, and spent much of her time caring for the flowers in her garden. She took great joy in watching her nephew, Eli, play sports, and in her free time, she solved word search puzzle books. Melba also loved taking the pontoon boat out on the lake for the day. Above all, her family and her faith were most important. She cared for others more than herself and always took great strides to serve others. She will be dearly missed. Melba is survived sister, Helen Morrow, Senatobia; nieces and nephews, Angie McCain (Bobby Joe), Ricky Watson (Kaye), Tim Watson (Kim), Rodney Watson, Pam Allen (Steve), Mike Higgins (Debbie), Larry Higgins (Sally), and Debbie Angersinger (Rob). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James “Clinton” Ridings, Jr.; brother, Charles Herbert Northington; sisters, Carolyn Watson, Evelyn Lucille Northington, Mildred Higgins; and nephew, Steve Morrow. A funeral service will be held at E.E. Pickle Funeral Home at 2PM Friday, June 14, 2019, with Bro. Jamie Gillentine officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Cemetery. Pallbearers will include her nephews, Ricky Watson, Rodney Watson, Mike Higgins, Bobby Joe McCain, Steve Allen, Eli McCain and also Jr Pickle. Honorary pallbearers are her nieces. Visitation will be from 5-8PM Thursday night, June 13, at the funeral home. Memorials and donations may be made in Melba’s honor to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 or to the House of Prayer Church in Amory. Please share your memories and condolences with her family at eepicklefuneralhome.com