Linda Ann Riley

Linda Riley, 75, passed from Earth to Heaven on Thursday, July 25th around 2:00 PM. She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan to George and Minnie Williams. Linda was born a triplet, but the only one of the three to survive. She had always looked forward to reuniting with her sister and brother in Heaven.

In 1963, Linda married the handsome William Charles Riley. Together they built a beautiful life and family for 56 years.

Linda loved the Lord, her family, and People. She never met a stranger and collected friends. Her smile could brighten up any room. Linda’s hands were rarely idle. She was lovingly referred to being like the energizer bunny. Cooking, cleaning, gardening, and shopping were among some of her favorite pastimes. Another thing that Linda loved was decorating. She filled her home with beautiful treasures. Along with people, Linda had an affection for animals. She especially loved her schnauzers and singing canaries. Her many pets brought her so much joy over the years.

Meme, as her grandchildren lovingly called her, was famous for fattening all of us up with the best fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and vegetable soup you had ever eaten. Everyone was welcome at her table.

Over the years, Linda worked at Montgomery Wards, had a successful Home Interiors and Gifts business, a house cleaning business, and raised schnauzers. When she set her mind to do something, no mountain was too high.

Of all the things that Linda gave herself to, she was the most passionate about loving her family. When you visited Meme, she made you feel like the most important person in the world. Her face would light up and she would bubble over with excitement. You knew you were loved.

Linda is survived by her loving husband, Charles, their five children and spouses. Pam and Butch Castleberry, Tammy and Rudy Hamilton, David and Eve Riley, Stacey and Stacy Walker, and Cindy and Eric Barrett, along with fifteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Allen Williams, Danny Williams, and sister Jeanette McDaniel, as well as a sister she chose in life, Margie Wagner. All of these, she loved deeply. We are all blessed to have been loved by her.

“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Proverbs 31: 28-31