Submit a PhotoAlma Lowdermilk Riedel, 65, was reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Edward Riedel, on July 8, 2024. Alma was born and raised in Holton, Kansas in July of 1958 to her mother Gloria and late father Howard Lowdermilk. Gloria was remarried to Vernon Snyder, who became Alma’s stepdad and who she grew up with. The majority of her childhood was spent in Holton with her brother, Bruce, and sister, Joyanna. Alma enjoyed playing flute and participating in the band as a baton twirler in her younger years. She met the love of her life, Ed, in college at Emporia State where she was a Chi Omega. Alma took an internship position in Arizona after graduating from college. Ed helped her move then took his first flight ever back to Kansas. Eventually, Ed moved to Arizona to be with Alma, and they married on August 8th, 1981, in the Methodist Church. Alma spent her twenties and early thirties camping, hosting Halloween parties, and enjoying life with her husband – kid free. However, she and Ed were overjoyed to become parents in 1996 when their first child was born, Heidi Lowdermilk Riedel (now James), followed by their second born, Carlie Anne Riedel (now Dreschel) in 1999. The girls quickly became the center of their world. Alma was a dedicated and extremely involved mother to her two children at school as a parent helper, in girl scouts as a cookie mom, and all things related to competitive dance as the ultimate dance mom. She was the person her girls could rely on for anything and everything. She was a proud parent of two college graduates, always pushing the girls to be the best version of themselves. As a dedicated Kansas City Chiefs fan, Alma took pride in her “She Shed” decked out in Chief’s Kingdom gear both old and new. She did not miss one game, although she may have turned a game off early if the team wasn’t doing well.
Alma’s professional life is one to reflect on. She was deeply passionate about connecting with and assisting others, especially in a time of need. Alma’s career included Director of Volunteers at Banner Hospital, Volunteer Coordinator at Grace Hospice, Membership Retention at the Gilbert Chamber, and Community Development Director at Gilbert Memorial Park. She was selfless, passionate, determined, organized, strong willed, and the best networker to grace Gilbert’s community. She is known for always “having a guy” and referring her “chamber peeps” to anyone who had a need any chance she got. Alma found passion in each position she held. She felt especially compelled to work at the funeral home as she could empathize with those who had experienced great loss, having lost her beloved Ed. She took pride in planning events for both the Chamber and Gilbert Memorial Park throughout the past few years. Alma’s love language involved cooking for her family/friends and giving silly but thoughtful gifts. She loved bringing new recipes to family events where she received consistent praise and insistence that she would need to bring the new recipe again and again. Alma was a dog person through and through, sharing a special bond with her sweet pup, Paisley. Alma also adored her three grand-pups and receiving copious amounts of pictures of them. Alma is a friend who always showed up for those she cared about (who were many), calling and checking in constantly, being the person, her friends could come to in their hardest of times. Alma was seen as a superwoman to both of her daughters, leading by example with both strength and compassion. Alma played an integral part in both of her daughters’ weddings in 2023, filling the role as both mom and dad for her girls. Alma was thrilled to watch her girls marry stand up men (Jerrod James and Thomas Dreschel) whom she felt confident would love and care for them.
A celebration of Alma’s life will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 11a.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park Cemetery and Funeral Home, 2100 E. Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296. Please wear pink in her honor. Alma cherished her Gilbert community, in lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to a charity that you believe best represents her. Some suggestions follow but feel free to give where your heart takes you: House of Refuge; MIdwest Food bank; Starbright Foundation; Friends for Life Animal Rescue; the Humane Society; the Animal Welfare League; Happy Tails Dachshund Rescue; Covenant House; Deseret Industries; Red Nose Day Charity; Small Dog Rescue. ATTN: Gilbert Chamber of Commerce for more information.
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Such sad news. You will be missed Alma!
I remember both your parents as a loving mother and father supporting their girls at every dance recital. They came early to get their favorite seats. They were proud parents of two very talented girls. My sincere condolences to the family. I pray for God’s comfort and peace knowing they are rejoicing in Gods presence
Alma was a ray of sunshine. She always had a beautiful smile that complimented her glistening blue eyes. She lived her life with pride, and so much love for her daughter’s, Heidi and Carlie and her husband, Ed. She was simply just a good woman with a big heart and a love for life. You are missed, Alma! May God Bless you and give strength and comfort to Heidi and Carlie.
I played flute with Alma in high school, shared a music stand. She was a better flute player than I, always one chair ahead of me! I have fond memories of Alma during that time. Rest in peace, Alma.
Alma always showed up no matter what kind of storm was going on. She loved you girls so much and I cannot imagine the grief compacted. When we were having our first, she gave me all your small hangers. They once were used by her to hang your little outfits. I will honor her every time I use them to hang tiny clothes and hope to be a mom like her. My deepest sympathies Carlie, Heidi, Jerrod and Trey. ❤️????
I’m so sorry for your loss. Alma was a loving and caring person. Prayers and condolences to the family. May God, give you comfort through this difficult time.
I remember Alma when I was in high school as a twirler. She was Beautiful and so graceful. I became a twirler a year after that. I’ll never forget her. She was the sweetest.
My heart is broken hearing this news. I worked with Alma at Banner Health for many, many years. When I met her, we quickly became friends. She was the hardest worker striving for excellence in all things. I think she knew every person in Gilbert, was so funny and super kind. We had daughters the same age and she introduced us to Dance Connection Too. She loved her girls fierce and made sure they had the best this world could give. There were many years traveling the dance circuit, saving the best seats and lots of laughs too. I cannot think of Kansas City Chiefs without thinking of Alma and Ed. Years later, Alma supported my floral business and visited my shop often, giving me all the updates on her girls. I was honored to arrange flowers celebrating Ed’s life and I can smile knowing that she is reunited with him now. Our family will be praying for you.
I have been so lonesome for dear Alma since her passing. We spoke often and shared updates about our lives. She left a huge void in my life! I’m so grateful for her friendship and influence!
My sincerest condolences to Heidi and Carlie and their extended family. Alma was always warm and welcoming, she always had a smile, and often a snappy or funny comment. I’m glad to have known her and am deeply saddened by her passing. Alma will be missed.
Alma, I always enjoyed being around you and miss the motherly advice you would offer. You were a pleasure to be around and you always made me feel welcome. Thank you!