Myrtle Fay Riley

Myrtle “Fay” Riley, lovingly known to everyone as “Mawmaw,” 92, of Odessa, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, in Odessa, surrounded by her family. Fay was born on August 10, 1933, in Knox City, Texas, to Samuel Lee Fesperman and Myrtle May Reynolds. She was one of six siblings and cherished the bonds of family throughout her life.

On May 18, 1949, Fay married Donald Wayne Riley in Levelland Tx and together they raised their children in Odessa, where she made her home for most of her life.

Fay was a devoted Christian who loved attending church and sharing her faith through her daily life. She was a loving and caring woman who welcomed everyone with open arms and a warm meal. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and the smell of something delicious cooking. Even if you were stuffed, she’d still ask, “you want some more?”—and no one could resist her famous banana pudding or spaghetti and fried potatoes.

She loved to crochet and made countless sweaters and blankets for the newborn babies welcomed into her family. Fay especially adored babies, and it was common to see her with one—or two—snuggled in her lap. She loved to sing, often humming a tune or singing a line of a favorite song as she went about her day. Fay gave the best hugs, always had a smile on her face, and never missed an opportunity to say “I love you.” She had a special way of making everyone feel loved. Her laughter was contagious, her heart was unmatched, and she touched the lives of all who knew her.

Fay also had a joyful spirit of adventure and loved to go places. No matter where someone was headed, she always said she “wanted to go,” even if she wasn’t able. She loved bringing her family together and treasured every moment spent with them. Her family was her greatest joy, and she loved them beyond measure. Today, her loved ones find comfort knowing she is celebrating and reunited with her family in Heaven.

Fay is survived by her children: daughter Donna Pettigrew and husband Henry Pettigrew of Odessa, daughter Brenda Pipkin and husband Larry Pipkin of Odessa, daughter Penny Caraveo and husband Luis Caraveo of Odessa, and daughter Beth Ditmore and husband James Ditmore of San Angelo. She also had numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren whom she loved so very much.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Wayne Riley Sr., and her son, Donald Wayne Riley Jr.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Frank Wilson Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas. Visitation will be held on Friday October 3, 2025 from 4-8pm.

Mawmaw’s love will live on in the hearts of her family forever