Evelyn Marie Riley, 73, passed away May 10, 2016, at her home near Gallatin. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the First Christian Church in Gallatin. Visitation will be Friday evening, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Church. Friends may call after 11:00 a.m. Friday at McWilliams Funeral Home in Gallatin. Burial will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery near Gallatin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lighthouse Learning Center c/o McWilliams Funeral Home.
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Evelyn was born Dec. 7, 1942, the daughter of Clyde and Ellen (Hadley) Prentice in Claycomo, Mo. She was a high school basketball player and cheerleader, and graduated from Kearney High School in 1960. She was united in marriage to Lloyd Riley Aug. 5, 1960. The couple made their first home on a farm near Kearney. In 1973, they moved to their current home on a farm south of Gallatin. It was here that they raised their 4 sons, made many memories, and lived the remainder of their married lives.
Evelyn was an enthusiastic homemaker who enjoyed raising her boys while helping Lloyd on the farm. She made keeping up with 5 guys around the house look effortless with mounds of dirty farm laundry and football uniforms. She later worked at the Division of Family Services in Gallatin, Thompson Implement and Gallatin Truck and Tractor.
Evelyn created cherished memories with her children and grandchildren by sewing Halloween costumes, creating impressive birthday cakes, hunting for the perfect Christmas tree, organizing treasure hunts, and serving up tea party breakfasts with her granddaughters. Evelyn sewed beautiful baby quilts, made play-dough cookies with grandchildren and was the first to bring a casserole dish or dessert to a friend in need. Her life was a living example of kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, and love.
Evelyn was a member of the First Christian Church in Gallatin and the Eastern Star. She was an avid Bridge player, who enjoyed the challenge of the card game while visiting with friends.
But, Evelyn’s proudest and most precious moments were spent with her family. Every meal was a feast of homemade and home canned food likely grown in her garden. Evelyn’s fried chicken, cinnamon rolls, apple pies, milkshakes, strawberry jam, and Christmas candies were incomparable, delicious works of art and she delighted in watching the younger generations learn from her. Evelyn showered warmth and affection on her family daily and was generous with hugs, smiles, encouragement, support, and advice. She was adored by her entire family and will be forever missed.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and her great granddaughter, Lucy Morrison. Evelyn is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lloyd, of the home; sons Greg Riley and wife, Jean, of Overland Park, Kan.; Jeff Riley and wife, Anita, of Gallatin; Pat Riley and wife, Heather, of Winterset, Iowa; Steve Riley and wife, Monica, of Gallatin; brother Charles Prentice and wife, Darlene, of Jameson; sister Mary Moore of Cameron, plus fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at www.mcwilliamsfuneralhome