Lyla Pauline Riley

Lyla Pauline Riley passed away peacefully at her home in Palm Springs, FL on Jan. 14, 2016. She was 97 years old. Lyla was born on Dec. 15, 1918 in Port Orchard, Washington to Russell and Katie Rose, the eldest of their five children.

Lyla (known as Pauline to her family) married Frank E. Riley in St. Joseph, Missouri on March 9, 1940. They were married for 63 years until his death in May 2003. Her husband’s military career took them across the United States and to Japan and Italy. After his retirement they returned to their home in Cherry Lake (Madison County), Florida, and in 1964 they moved to Lake Worth. During those years Lyla carved her own career in accountancy, records management, and municipal administration. She was a member of several professional organizations, and, after she was denied financial credit without her husband’s signature, she was an early participant on Florida’s Women’s Rights Commission. She served as Acting City Manager for the Village of Palm Springs, Florida. At the time of her retirement in 1982 she was City Clerk for West Palm Beach. Lyla was listed in Who’s Who in American Women for her contributions to her profession.

Lyla had many sides—she wasn’t just all business. She loved to sing and dance, and she had her own dance studio when she was still in her teens. During World War II Lyla worked in the accounting department at McDonnell-Douglas Air in California, but she was also an extra in movies, usually in skating and dancing scenes. She excelled at dominoes and never turned down a chance to play cribbage. She had absolutely no patience for crocheting or knitting but would spend hours baking miniature spice breads for friends at Christmas. Popcorn, champagne, and a Chevy Chase movie combined to make a great evening as far as she was concerned.

Lyla is survived by her daughter, Sandra Fittinghoff (Nicholas) of Davis, CA; her three grandchildren, Catherine Lohmann (Kenneth) of Chapel Hill, NC, Stephen Fittinghoff (Leslie) of Eureka, CA, and David Fittinghoff (Lisa) of Livermore, CA. Lyla is also survived by five great-grandchildren, her sister, Lois Bringus of Kansas City, and numerous nieces and nephews who called her “our beloved Aunt Pauline.” She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Edwin R. Rose; her sisters, Lillian Walker and Frances England, and her infant daughter, Cheryl Ann Riley.

The family wishes to express its gratitude to Mark and Angie Hoffman, Trust Bridge Hospice, Senior Helpers, and the many caregivers, friends, and neighbors who helped her stay in her own home until the end. Particular thanks go to Joan B. Miller and Raymonde Leger who gave tirelessly of themselves during a very difficult time. Their care was exemplary.

Lyla Pauline Riley was one of a kind, and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

A private service and interment will be at Dorsey-E. Earl Smith Memory Gardens on Kirk Road in Lake Worth on January 23, 2016.