HELEN RILEY Obituary

HELEN EMMILYNE CALDWELL RILEY 12/3/1926 - 12/15/2013 Helen Emmilyne Caldwell Riley, 87, went home to her eternal peace on Monday, December 16, 2013, at her home in Barstow, California. She was born on December 3, 1926, in Marshall, Texas, the middle child of three children of George and Velma Caldwell. She married Jesse Richardson Riley on September 17, 1955, in Memphis, Tennessee. In her early years, Helen was an author and worked with Dorothy Day in the Catholic Workers' Movement. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Jesse Riley, sons McDonald "Butch" Riley and his spouse the late Lidia Garcia, Jesse Riley, Jr. and his spouse Winnie Riley; Paul Riley and his spouse Rene Riley; daughters Margaret Riley Ferrell and her spouse Nancy Danoff; and Monica Riley Zango and her spouse Issa Zango. Her grandchildren include Ryan Ferrell, Michael Walker, Amber Ferrell, Helen Riley, and Danyelle Spraling. Her great grandchildren include Jordan Daniel, Kailyn Daniel, Riley Ferrell, Mason Booker, London Booker, Yamira Spraling, and Mykel Spraling. She is also survived by her brother William Caldwell and was preceded in death by her sister Clara Golden and her brother George Caldwell, Jr. Helen was the Children's Librarian in Barstow for 38 years. She was happiest when telling stories to many of the young children from the library or local schools. Even though she retired from the library, she continued to read stories to the young people. She was deeply devoted to and active in her church; teaching catechism, assisting as lecture, and providing communion for those who were unable to attend church. She was well known in the community for her involvement in many activities; Girl Scouts and Swim Team to name a few. She loved to travel and was able to visit three countries in Africa where lived the family of two of her children. Viewing will be on Friday, December 20, 2013, from 2 to 3 p.m. and the Rosary is from 3 to 4 p.m. at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Road. Mass is Monday, December 23, 2013, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Barstow with internment to follow. A reception will take place at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Noonan Hall following graveside service.

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Published by Daily Press on Dec. 20, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for HELEN RILEY

12 Entries

Kathryn Fahey

December 26, 2013

I remember Mrs. Riley from my days at Mt. St. Joseph School back in the early 60's. What a wonderful woman. My condolences to her family.

Luz Pope

December 24, 2013

I worked with Helen and travelled throughout the county in the Bookmobile back in the 80's. What an adventure we had and how blessed I was to know her. I know she is now reading to the angels in heaven. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family.

Sharlotte Cordova

December 23, 2013

I was priveleged to work with and know Mrs. Riley through the Sanbernardino County Library. She had a love for books and her years of story telling was truly a gift to our Community that will be cherished forever. I have so many memories too many to put on paper. Helen was just a awesome person and I'm thankful to have known her. May the family be surrounded by love and peace during this holiday season. God's blessings always

Angie Acosta

December 22, 2013

I was privileged to work with Helen from 1978 to 1985 at the Barstow Library. She was dedicated to her church, her family and her job. She had lots of stories to tell. She will be missed.My condolences to her husband Jesse and her children.

Cindy Best/Kearney

December 22, 2013

Mrs. Riley read to me as a child and was truly a wonderful woman. I always remember how happy she was when she was reading and how happy I was when she read to me. God Bless the Riley family and there will always be an angel above reading in heaven

Annette Sauer

December 19, 2013

Thank you Mrs.Riley, for reading to my children at the library storytime. You gave this whole town a great gift. May comfort be near to your beloved family and may you rest in ever loving peace.

Rose Melrose

December 19, 2013

Helen came to our home on Nov. 15 to give communion to my husband Don a few days before his back surgery. She brought communion several times during the last two years. She always spent time with us chit chatting about our families and various memories. On this last visit she also spoke with our 7 year old grandchild Kailey about the joy of reading and loving Jesus. Helen is a special treasure we were allowed to enjoy for a time here on earth.

December 19, 2013

Mrs. Riley instilled the love of reading by helping us select books that interested each of us during the hot summer months in Barstow's local library. I am grateful to my parents for making such an important connection to Mrs. Riley and her library. God bless Mrs. Riley and her family. Mary Bilsborough

Patsy Craine

December 19, 2013

I worked with Mrs Riley on the Book Mobile in the early 70's. I will never forget in like in 1995 we had a haunted yard at our house for Halloween to raise funds for library, and we had a coffin in which Helen was laying on and every time people would pass she would sit up, scream an scare the heck out of people. May She Rest in Peace.

Michelle Carter

December 19, 2013

What a blessing she was for the youth of Barstow! Mrs Riley was friends with my grandma for many years. She was a wonderful woman. She will be missed. A true angel on earth has been called home. Prayers to the family.

Mary Baca

December 18, 2013

Condolences to Miss Helens Family. She was a great lady and will be missed by so many. I loved seeing her at the library and at St. Josephs and just loved listening to her fabulous stories. May she rest in peace.

Leslie Bell Lloyd

December 18, 2013

A great force for the Library. May she rest in Peace!

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