E. Mary Riley
E. Mary Riley
E. Mary Riley
October 29, 1934 – September 13, 2020
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 85
(Elma) Mary Riley, 85, of Oskaloosa and formerly of University Park, died Sunday, September 13, 2020, at Crystal Heights Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born October 29, 1934, in Wadena, Iowa, the daughter of John Henry and Clara Leona Zuercher Curtis.
Mary attended school through 8th grade. Following school, she worked as a nanny for a local family.
On November 27, 1954, she was united in marriage to Lawrence Milton McBeth. To this union two children were born, Homer and Thelma. Lawrence and Mary later divorced.
Mary worked various place in Oskaloosa, she was a Candy Striper at the Mahaska Hospital and later worked in production at the Big Smith Overall Factory. As an adult she studied and earned her G.E.D. the same year her son Homer graduated from high school. In 1974, she took a job at Pella Corporation.
On June 30, 1977, she was united in marriage to Melvin “Popeye” Riley. She retired from Pella Corporation in the mid 1990’s to care for Melvin at home. On February 25, 1998, Melvin died. Mary stayed in their home in University Park until her ill health forced her to move to a facility where she could get more help.
She was a member of Life House Church in Oskaloosa and a member of the Oskaloosa Eagles. She and Melvin enjoyed riding motorcycles, camping, going to Bluegrass Festivals, and dancing. She enjoyed crocheting and made afghans for all of her family members. She also made several blankets for children in need.
Her family includes her five children: Homer (& Sandra) McBeth of Pella, Thelma (& Bryce) Van Wyk of Illinois, Lawrence “Sonny” McBeth of Des Moines, Danny (& Vicki) Riley of Arkansas, and Dennis (& Renee) Riley of California; eighteen grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren; a brother, John Curtis of Oskaloosa; a daughter in law, Karen McBeth of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Mary was preceded in death by her parents; a stepdaughter, Carol Ann Barcus; and four sisters: Nellie Tackett, Joan Dean, June Biehn, and Janice Miller.
As was Mary’s wish her body has been cremated.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Lifehouse Community Church or Kingdom Network Ministries.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of E. Mary Riley please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
