Obituary of Annette May Riley

Annette May Riley

Annette Faith May Riley was born May 26, 1936 in Havre, Montana to Conrad and Frances May. She passed away in Lakewood, Washington on October 6, 2019 at the age of 83.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years Hilarion (Larry) Riley and her daughter Adrienne Barbon. Also gone before Annette are her baby brother David, oldest brother Leo May, her sister Flora Ann May Avermann as well as her parents. She is survived by six children: Patrick Riley, Joan Riley Jager, Theresa Riley Williams, Lawrence (Larry) Riley, Robert Riley and Pauline Riley as well as many grandchildren, great-grand kids, and two great great-grand kids. Her remaining brothers, Conrad May of Joplin. Mt. and Ephraim May from Cowley in Alberta, Canada, also mourn her loss.

Raised on the banks of the Milk River in North-Central Montana, she was a homesteader’s daughter. During the school year, the family lived along the Highline in Inverness. Annette was not one for farm life and became a teacher’s wife instead. She met Larry Riley while visiting relatives in Wanda, MN. Within a month, he hitchhiked to Montana to see her again.

Married in 1953, Larry and Annette would proceed to have seven children in quick succession. She was a faithful wife, loving and proud mother, and friend to many. Larry began working as a teacher and coach first at the Minneota Country School, then in Rudyard and Inverness. Each summer he pursued a higher education, often far from home, leaving Annette to fend for their growing family alone.

A practical and skillful woman, Annette could always stretch a teacher’s salary by careful shopping, good home cooking, and sewing to keep her family well fed and dressed. Larry became the Elementary School Principal in Big Sandy for 5 years. He also sold crop and life insurance while Annette supplemented the family income by selling World Book Encyclopedia. In 1967 Larry trained to be a school counselor in Arizona before moving the family west to Tacoma to help integrate the local school system. Along with being a homemaker, Annette managed two family restaurants for a few years, repaired and maintained her own home as well as several rental homes and apartments. She taught her children to work by her side. She also served as a teacher’s aide for a while after her children were grown.

She was aptly named Annette Faith. She had health problems for many years, although not always evident, but kept going with seldom a word of complaint. She showed tremendous fortitude and maintained a positive attitude despite her trials. Annette would often quote Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. A lovely and genuinely friendly woman, she would often greet both friends and strangers with the warm greeting, “God bless you”. She lived a spirit-filled life and strongly

believed in the power of prayer. Annette also had a beautiful singing voice, especially when inspired to praise and worship.

Annette and her husband moved back to Inverness part-time upon Larry’s retirement due to poor health in 1988. She would care for him until his death in 1995. Widowed at 58, Annette led a quiet but active life; gardening, playing cards, and enjoying being with friends and family. When maintaining two residences became too much, she chose to live full-time in Montana. These were good years. She loved being close to her siblings, enjoyed many hours at the Liberty County Senior Center and found a number of prayer partners. Our sincere thanks go to Christy Jo Fossen and her family, Roger Evans, and Annette’s two brothers and their wives, Con and Esther May and Ephraim and Jean May, as well as her nieces and nephews for the many things they did to care for Annette and her home over the years. We also appreciate the expertise and kindness of the many Doctors and nurses who have attended to her health care needs.

Four years ago, failing health brought her back to Tacoma area to be closer to her children. Annette first lived with her son Robert in Lakewood, with another son, Larry, joining the household recently. She tried to return to Montana for the summer months, but her health would not always allow it.

Those who knew Annette will remember her as a stylish woman with a generous spirit and a ready laugh. She slowed down the last few years and struggled lately. However she was able to play Pinochle on Tuesday, dance at a wedding on Saturday, and sing at the Crossroads church the morning she died. She truly lived by her words, “Through the grace of God, I keep going”.

Annette will be interned next summer in Montana at the Inverness cemetery.

There will be a celebration of life and graveside service to be determined at a later date.

If you would like to give a remembrance, donate to your favorite charity. If you want to share a story or send consolations, please visit the Tribute Wall. If you’d prefer a personal note, write to Joan Riley Jager at 4825 South “L” in Tacoma WA – 98408.