Mary Catherine Riley, 64, of Front Royal, Virginia went to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024
A funeral service will be held at 2 P.M. on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at Bentonville Baptist Church, 2537 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Bentonville, Virginia 22610 with Dr. C. Wayne Woodward officiating. Burial will follow in Bentonville Cemetery.
Mary was born on August 15, 1960 in Front Royal, Virginia daughter of the late Blanch R. Day and William S. Riley. She was a member of the Bentonville Baptist Church. She was an employee for Warren County Public Schools for 35 years.
She is survived by her spouse, Blaine W. Keller and her sisters, Barbara Jean Brinklow, Shirley Ann Henry, Vicky Lynn Pineda (Edward)of Front Royal. Mary didn’t have any children of her own, but she was a second mother to Jessica Lynn “Woodis Lou” Matthews, Christopher Michael “Fancy” Riley, and David Allen “DJ” Riley Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death along with her loving parents, her loving father, Ervin R. Day; sister, Ruth Lee Hammond; and brothers, David Allen Riley Sr., and William Donald Riley Sr.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Maddox Funeral Home, 105 W Main St. Front Royal, Virginia from 6-8 P.M.
Pallbearers will be Chris Deavers, George Foster Jr., Dusty Henry, Christopher Riley, Cody Matthews, Doug Keller, Michael Keller, Jeffrey Fuller, Bryan Mosher, and Will Deavers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Mary’s friends, Cindy Rutherford, Francine Jackson, Doris Harr, Sonja Osbourn, Susan Willaims, Gaylene Stewart, Michael Whitehouse, and the teachers and staff of Warren County Middle School.
Mary was Ms. Riley to the school children and she formed numerous bonds throughout her 35 years of public service at Warren County. Mary liked making desserts and was famous for her chocolate éclair, which was often auctioned off to help with the food drive that she supported through the school. She also enjoyed walking and running throughout the streets of Front Royal. She loved praising the Lord with the church choir on Sunday Mornings. Mary and her sister, Shirley enjoyed their weekend shopping sprees. Mary and Blaine enjoyed watching TV, spending quality time together and eating their favorite meal, “pinto beans with macaroni and cheese”. Mary will not only be dearly missed by her family and friends, but those whose lives she touched.
A special thank you to all of the caregivers who took care of Mary during her short battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Bentonville Baptist Church 2537 Stonewall Jackson Hwy, Bentonville, Virginia 22610 or to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W Cork St. Suite 400, Winchester, Virginia 22601.
She was a wonderful person. A person that would do anything for you in the world. She always loved her George Strait. She will truly be missed!
-Shyanne
She certainly was a George strait fan and a true believer of God almighty.
Ms. Riley was my middle school teacher and she was the best teacher. She was was kind, caring and wonderful person. I use to bring her peppermint York patty candy and always put a smile on her face. she use to let me in the school early and I got to help her in the classroom. thank you for being amazing and wonderful teacher.❤️ fly high Ms. Riley
Dear Shyanne, Thank you! Mary loved her job, her co-workers, and her students. She referred to her students as “her kids”. And yes, she loved her George Strait too. ❤️
May God’s peace and blessings be with you always!
Vicky (Mary’s sister)
Ms riley was best teacher in school I was one of her student she touched my heart as friend and teacher I will miss her I send my prayers to family
Dear Matt, Thank you for your prayers! We will definitely miss her too. She cared for all of her students. ❤️
Vicky Pineda (Mary’s sister)
Dear Keara, Thank you for sharing about the peppermint patties. We both enjoyed the peppermint blizzards from DQ. As her student, Mary saw not just you, but your heart. May God bless you and if you haven’t try the peppermint blizzard, I encourage you to try it.
Vicky Pineda
Our deepest condolences to each of you for the passing of your dear Mary. She was one of the kindest and sweetest people. Take comfort knowing she is walking the streets of gold and free of pain and suffering. God be with you.
Dear Vicki, Daryl, and Aron, Thank you! Yes, she definitely was a sweetheart. I will truly miss her. God bless you all!
In Christ,
Vicky Pineda
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of such a loving and kind soul. I will forever be thankful for the love Mary and Blaine showed me during a time, I needed it in life. I carry those beautiful memories with me. Living in Maryland, I recall Mary showing me how to put makeup on and taking me to mall to buy Mrs. Fields Cookies.
You’re kindness was rare..💞 I was blessed to know you Mary🌸
Sending my condolences to Blaine, Barbara and Vicki..
Dear Wendy, Thank you for your kinds words. Please hold on to her sweet memories. Take care and may God bless you!
Vicky ❤️
Thank you so much for your kind words Mary certainly did love their kids. thank you from her sister Barbara. the prayers.
Thank thank you Wendy for your kind words she was definitely one of a kind . her kindness will never be forgotten from here on Earth to up in heaven .