Pauline S. Riley

Sara "Pauline" (Buchanan) Riley, 93, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Pauline was born December 17, 1917 in Paragould, Arkansas to Frank & Stella Buchanan. Pauline married Ermon Riley in 1937 in Paragould and they were soon blessed with two daughters. Ermon's parents had left Arkansas for California and settled in Soledad, Salinas Valley, CA. They wrote how nice it was there and work was available so in 1942 Ermon and Pauline sold their farm and belongings and relocated to Soledad where their three sons were born. Pauline was busy raising 5 children but still made time to be very active in all church activities. She was always helping someone with whatever was needed, including opening her home many times to relatives, friends, and even strangers who needed a place to stay. She loved to garden, sing, attend church, and socialize with other people.

In 1954 Pauline and Ermon moved their family to Visalia, California. Pauline became an "Avon Lady" and after a few years, she became employed by J.C.Penney Co, followed by several years at Gottschalks until her retirement. She and her husband were very active members of Visalia First Assembly of God, and volunteered at the Visalia Senior Center and the Visalia Gleaners until their health prevented these activities. While residing in Hanford in an assisted living facility, she attended Glad Tidings Assembly of God.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ermon in 1997, three sisters, Geraldine Cline, Joanna Vowell, and Peggy Franks; one grandson, Jimmy Riley, a great-granddaughter, Sara Lee, and daughter-in-law Sally Riley.

She is survived by her brother, Robert Buchanan, Paragould, Arkansas, two daughters, Jean (Leroy) Woods, Visalia, CA, Sue (Bob) Smith, Hanford, CA, and three sons, Joel Riley, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jerry Riley, Visalia, and Frank (Pam) Riley, Ivanhoe, CA. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Kelly Wilson, Todd Smith, Renee Mone, Stacy Welsh, Brandie Lee, Joshua Riley; 16 great-grandchildren; special niece, Sheila Champion, Tulare, CA and friend since childhood, Helen (Neve) Branch of Joshua Tree, CA; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff who cared for Pauline at Redwood Springs in Visalia. Several members of the staff went over and beyond with loving care and attention to help make her happy and content in her final years. Thanks also to Kaweah Delta Hospice personnel for making her final days more comfortable. Family requests donations be made to the building fund at Visalia First Assembly, 3737 So. Akers, Visalia, CA 93277