I grew up across the street from the Riley's and always adored them.   When mom told me today the Christmas card arrived from John and Suzan...I was heartbroken (selfishly) to learn Jean went on home. :(

We moved to Groveland when my brother came along, which means I only had about 5 years living across the street from Jean (& John)...but she left an indelible impact on me and remains in my favorite people stack! She, made our cool birthday cakes when we were little and I'd run across the street anytime I was allowed.  There was always something interesting going on in the snack category at their house.  I also remember her showing me her cake tips and how to squeeze it just so to get what you wanted. (I was a chief frosting tester on an occasion or two but to date I have never matched her decorating skill.) 
Our families kept in sporadic touch through the years, celebrating  events like graduations and whatnot.  But despite not having chatted with Jean in far too many years...she was always close to my heart.  She lives in the 'special memories' category when life was easy and carefree. 
Jean (& John) Thank you for investing your time, love & energy in a scrawny kid who just happened to live across the street for a stint. My apologies I was probably more like Dennis the Menace than Pollyanna.  But I'm thankful to have had your influence in my life. You were always so grace filled. 

I love you, Jean and am so thankful we'll see each other again on the other side. Rest well! 

Prayers for the family as you navigate this season and on without her spunk!  
Love You-Holly Virden

Jean Riley was the best grandma anyone could ever ask for. She never treated anyone like a stranger. I think she was one of the kindest women ever. I used to love going camping with them.  Whenever grandpa would take Stacy out fishing grandma would take me for a walk up the road to the pig farm and we would talk about anything and everything. I would give anything to be able to take one more walk with her but one would never be enough.  I am so thankful that she taught me to paint ceramics. I loved sitting down with her and painting for hours. That's one thing that she gave to me that I will always have to remember her by. There's so many stories that I could tell of my grandma but if I did this would never end. You cannot fit all the greatness of this woman into just one story. I will always love you grandma and keep you close to my heart.

This is the most extraordinary woman I have ever been blessed enough to know. My grandmother. She taught me love, faith, forgiveness, and how to live through my heart. She helped to shape me and make me the woman I am today. I am so thankful to have gotten to spend these 23 short years with you on earth, but Iknow In my heart you are forever my angel. I wish I could watch Annie with you and decorate Christmas cookies one more time. I will forever cherish our time together and share your traditions with my family and kids in the future. This is not goodbye, it’s see you later. Until we meet again, my love for you is forever strong and with the memories we’ve shared together my heart is forever full  ❤️

You were the sweetest person I ever met. You took care of me when I was sick. You'd rock me to sleep in your arms. You gave to so many people expecting nothing in return. You taught me so much. I love you forever my beautiful great grandma. 

East Peoria Mennonite Church

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Harvey Kreps

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Norma Jean Riley

29 diciembre, 1928 – 27 noviembre, 2018

Remmert Funeral Home

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