Obituary – Alma “Betty” Elizabeth Riley – Christopher

Alma “Betty” Elizabeth Riley, 76, of Mascoutah and formerly of Christopher, passed away July 8, 2014 at Terrace on the Park in Mascoutah.

Betty was born August 31, 1937 in Royalton, IL, the daughter of George Alexander Hargraves and Della Elizabeth (Thomason) Hargraves.

Betty was married to William Ronny Riley, who was killed in a mining accident on May 1, 1979.

She worked as a seamstress and had worked at Bridal Originals and also sewed boat seats at Crownline.  She also did in home care for the elderly.Church.  Betty was a member of First Christian Church in Christopher.  Betty was an avid reader, enjoying biographies and true crime stories, and “The Scandal” sheets. She was a seamstress and enjoyed making her children’s clothing and also making wedding dresses. She was a talented doll maker, she enjoyed making crafts and created many pieces of art and costumes throughout the years. She also loved taking care of her cats.

Betty is survived by two daughters, Tayna Riley and Chuck Berry, of Freeburg, IL and Toni and Randy Rataczyk, of Coulterville, IL.  Also surviving are grandchildren Derek and Trin Davison, of St. Charles, MO, Thad Riley and Cyndi Hankler, of Pinckneyville, Ryan and Grace Fico, Mehlville, MO; great-grandchildren, Blaine, Jade and Lua Riley, Olivia Davison, Grayson Fico and yet to be born, Riley Fico.

Betty is also survived by one brother, James Hargraves and wife Marla, of Fairfield, IL and Judy Hargraves, of Royalton.

Surviving Sisters & Brothers; James Hargraves and wife Marla of Fairfield

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son William Ronnie who was stillborn in 1963, three sisters Linda Sue Hargraves, Ella Francis “Sodie” Jones, and Georgia Ann Moore and one brother Charles Hargraves.

Memorial Service will be on Saturday July 12, 2014 at 2 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher with Brother Dennis Jones, officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday July 12, 2014 from 12 noon until the time of the service at 2 p.m.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser at a later date

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Perry County Humane Society

Gilbert Funeral Home Christopher IL is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.