Obituary of Barbara Riley

Barbara A. (Perry) Riley of Montour Falls, aged 85, died peacefully on September 7, 2014 at home in the presence of members of her loving family. Born January 2, 1929 to Jennie (Poole) and Jesse Perry in Pine Valley, NY, she graduated from Horseheads High School and Rochester Business Institute. She and husband Richard, who predeceased her in October 2011, were married for 63 years. Together they worked hard, successfully raised their six daughters, and thoroughly enjoyed their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After Barb and Dick spent most of the 1960s as the operators of Riley's Soda Bar on Main Street, Barbara continued her work life at Montour National Bank and then Schuyler County Social Services from which she retired. She was an active member and steadfast supporter of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. She rarely spent time sitting without some practical or whimsical handcraft in the making: sewing, quilts, crocheting, plastic canvas and cross-stitch creations. Barbara was a loyal and caring wife, mother, and friend and will be so dearly missed. She is survived by daughters Christine (Mark Feldman) Riley of Syracuse, Joy (Charlie) Ector of Watkins Glen, Roberta (Randy) Wingate of Bradford, Suzanne (Stanley) Casselberry of Montour Falls, Lisa (Dale) Stephens of Newport News, VA, Ronna Jo (John) Collins of Newfield; grandchildren Alison Bellamy, Jesse Wheeler, Jeremy Wheeler, Trevor Angle, Peggy Filkins, Chad Ector, Ben Wingate, Matthew Stephens, Adam Stephens, Leigh Ann Collins, John Kaleb Collins, Judah Stephens; 14 great-grandchildren. Also, surviving are brother Glenn Perry of Cincinnati, OH, sister-in-law Beverly Riley of Odessa, and several nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend a graveside service for Barbara on Saturday September 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. in the Montour Cemetery (use third entrance). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Care First (hospice) 11751 E. Corning Road, Corning NY 14830-3651. The family thanks the devoted caregivers who assisted in Barbara's care so that she could remain at home throughout her illness.