ZoAnna Charlene Riley

ZoAnna Charlene Riley passed away on August 19th, 2026 at the age of 80. Born in Okemos, MI on August 18, 1946, she lived the majority of her life in Lansing with her husband Robert, who was the love of her life.

She was loved by many who gave her various nicknames, including Ann, Annie, Zoie and Hoie.

If you ever visited the Riley house, you know that everyone was welcome, and coffee was constantly flowing. She is known for gathering up people and making them feel welcome, no matter how much of a disaster they felt they were. She will forever have an impact on those of us she leaves behind.

Ann loved nothing more than feeding people - well feeding all creatures to be exact. Some of the fattest squirrels in Michigan live at the Riley house, thanks to the daily peanut butter sandwiches that she provided.

Ann’s family was her number one priority. She was a devoted wife and mother. She was adored by her grandchildren.

She loved going to the casino, and family game nights playing Yahtzee, cards and Mexican train.

Ann was a master at many crafts. There was literally nothing she couldn’t do, from ceramics to woodworking to macrame. She was a talented painter, made ceramic Nativity sets, Christmas trees, porcelain dolls, and ornaments for all holidays. Odds are that if you knew her, you possess at least one of her homemade treasures. She made floral arrangements for weddings, and was the “neighborhood beautician”, giving haircuts and perms to all of her friends.

ZoAnna is survived by her husband of 61 years Robert Riley; children: Wendy Hopper, Randy (Tom) Riley, Nikki (Steve) Castillo, “favorite son” John (Ted) Granger; and brother Ralph Martin. Also surviving are grandchildren: Kelsey (Jill) Hopper, Dean (Matt) Hopper, Dakota Torres, Landon Pung, Anna, Ellie, Mateo, and Roxy Castillo. She was preceded in death by her mom Zola Ryder; stepdad Ken Ryder; brothers: Duff Martin and Jim Martin; and sisters: Sue Newland and Betty King.

Ann lived life on her terms and left this world in the same manner. Those of us left on earth will miss her terribly, but heaven is having a celebration.

In accordance with ZoAnna’s wishes, there will be no service. Please raise a giant mug of coffee or feed some squirrels in her honor.