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Thelma Ruby Riley

Thelma Riley Obituary

THELMA RUBY RILEY

Thelma was born on May 26, 1919, in Alva, OK and went home to the Lord on Friday, June 24, 2005. Thelma met Wayne Eldon Riley in 1942 and married him in 1947. Thelma owned a beauty salon in Clovis for 50 years. Thelma was the organist for the Church of the Nazarene, Calvary Bible (Bullard), Baptist Valley Bible, and Grace Baptist Church. She rode motorcycles with her husband Wayne and raced at the Kearney Bowl. She loved to fish and had a houseboat on McClure Lake where the family often vacationed. She along with Wayne were the first husband and wife team to be inducted into the "Clovis Hall of Fame." Thelma was preceded in death by her daughter, Barbara Roufs. She is survived by Wayne, her husband of 57 years; her daughter, Vivian Deaton of Clovis; sons, James Riley of Reedley and Bruce Riley of San Jose; an adopted son, Ben Gube; her brother, Harvey Wheeler; her sister, Juanita Gurdes; 11 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Clovis Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, June 29, 2005, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the Church of the Nazarene on Thursday, June 30, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. CLOVIS FUNERAL CHAPEL1302 Clovis Av Clovis 298-7536

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Published by Fresno Bee on Jun. 29, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Riley

Sponsored by Her loving "Riley" family.

25 Entries

Betty Sorrells

April 18, 2022

Think of Bruce and Loeen often. Wonder where you are and how you are. I'm 80 so life is still great with God in it.

Tony & Christie Beadles

July 29, 2005

Bud, Christie met your sister only a few times but always commented about her pleasant personality.

I have some childhood memories but as you know, you were one of the few with whom I had any contact.

Please pass along our condolences to your extended family members. Hope your procedure went well. Best Wishes. Tony & Chistie

john kenneth beadles

July 26, 2005

Bruce: When your Mother came to Alva for holiday, we would visit and talk abour our Grandpa and grand Mother Beadles. She was always happy and made everyone feel good. God Bless you and yours

joe beadles

July 13, 2005

I am Thelma's cousin. I am so thankful that i am a christian and

know that i will see her again. We praise God for Thelma.

Janet Hollesen

July 12, 2005

For the entire Riley family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother and grandmother Thelma. I know you will all miss her greatly, but we have hope of eternal life and will see her again. I have known Thelma and her family since I was a teen. She was a toughie where all of us teens were concerned, but we knew it was because she loved all of us. Thelma had such a sweet, gentle and loving spirit and everyone knew the Lord was number one in her life. She is now safe in the arms of Jesus and talking to my dad, Wally Vanderford, who went home to be with the Lord 2-7-03.

With love,

Candy Cannon

July 11, 2005

Bruce,

I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is always difficult, no matter how old we are. I'll keep your family in my prayers.

Candy

Jet Dougherty

July 8, 2005

I miss my grandma, I know she is with Jesus, and I know that she is not suffering anymore, but I miss her and I really dont know how I am going to do this life without her. She has been my everything, when all else failed, she was there. She took care of me as a child, and then after my husband passed, she just picked up where she left off and took care of me and my children. She got me thru some of the hardest spiritual times of my life, because of her I have known Jesus all my life. She has been a mother to me, a grandma of great wisdom and knowledge that I charish with all my heart, and she has been my mentor and spirtiual leader. She truely was the most remarkable women I have ever known. I love you grandma cant wait to see you again...Charlie

Roxanne Bryant-Landreth

July 7, 2005

I'm not quite sure how she did it, but Grandma Riley managed to keep everyone around her in line; her kids, her grandkids, and lets not forget all of the adoptive kids and grandkids she took in, which is where I fall in. She let us know she loved us with all her heart, but that Jesus was first in her life as it should be for us as well. You always knew where she stood on just about every issue, she told it how it was. I respected her, I loved her, and I appreciated and admired the examples she set for everyone around her, and I'm going to miss her so much.

You will never be forgoten.

Love Always

Denise Bryant-Fitzgerald

July 7, 2005

Grandma Thelma was a huge part of my childhood. I did not have grandparents of my own and she and Wayne lovingly took on those roles for me and my sister when we were young and needed it most. Grandma and Grandpa are the reason for my faith in our Lord today; Grandma never forgot to remind me were my priorities needed to be when it came to going to church. Grandma’s unconditional love for our Lord was such an inspiration. I am truly a better person because of her and I am so blessed to have known her.

Love always,

Marion & Barbara Hiett

July 7, 2005

We were privileged to spend time with Thelma and her family while we were on our honeymoon 40 years ago. She was a gracious hostess with a vibrant personality who quickly became a cherished friend as well as a family member. We have enjoyed every visit spent with her down through the years and have wonderful memories of Thelma which we highly treasure.

Marietta Lynch

July 6, 2005

I am so glad to be a part of the family of God because I know I don't have to say good bye but will see Thelma again someday. She was very special to me. It is our loss but her gain. We will all miss her so and I pray for your comfort.

Charlotte Hiett - Swain

July 6, 2005

Aunt Thelma has always had a very special place in my heart. I didn't get to see her many times but thought of her often. Every time she came to Alva she would fix my hair.

Mom (Ruth)and Aunt Gussie would talk about her and the wonderful times they had together. Mom came to my room and told of Thelma's going to be with the Lord. I went to mom's room to be with her -- the things mom shared with me about Thelma were very special. We wept and prayed together for our loss and her gain. Mom said she knew Aunt Thelma was with the Lord Jesus. Just knowing a loved one is in heaven helps to lift the heavy Load.

I hope some day to be able to visit with all of you and certainly plan to see Aunt Thelma when I go to see the Lord.

May the Lord wrap His arms of love about you and give you comfort and peace.

Love,

Charlotte (your cousin)

Bill Lackey

July 6, 2005

Bruce and Lorene, I was saddened to learn of your loss. Be assured of our prayers for you and all the family.

vivian deaton

July 6, 2005

Thelma Ruby Riley is my Mother. I loved her so much. I will miss her all the rest of my life.If she could she would want to tell everyone about Jesus. Our church family will miss her greatly. She played the orgon for Grace Baptist in Clovis Ca. She loved our Lord. God bless you Mother

Mary Boardman

July 5, 2005

We send our thoughts and prayers to the entire Riley family. Mary & Bill Boardman

Joan Blank

July 5, 2005

Although I never met Thelma, I have been in contact with her son and I hope I was able to help her find at least a little bit of her heritage.

Steve Roberts

July 5, 2005

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Riley family in the loss of Thelma. She will be missed.

Marcia Shea

July 4, 2005

I'm very sorry to hear of Thelma's passing. Even though I never met her she has always been a part of my family because Jim and Bruce are my brothers... Hugs and love to you in your time of sorrow... Love, Marcia

James Riley

July 4, 2005

Thanks to all. We loved her very much. She now rests in a better place next to our LORD

Ben & Lori Gube

July 4, 2005

I would not know where my family and I will be today if not for the love and guidance that Mom gave to us. She was a guiding light to my family and a beacon of love and grace. Mom, we will miss you and we will always remember you.

Ben, Lori Gube & family

Fullerton, CA

Bruce Riley

July 4, 2005

You taught all of us many things. We will miss you a lot. Your son and daughter-in-law.

Love always,

Bruce & Lorene Riley

Estelle Fleming

July 3, 2005

I am saddened to read of Thelma's death. She attended my water aerobics classes for several years. She sewed many sequined hats for the ladies to wear. They were very colorful and sparkling. Thelma was very a friendly and cheerful person. Always looked so nice. She will be missed.

Mike & Valerie Bryant

June 30, 2005

Thelma has been a real inspiration in my life for many years. From the first day we met she took me and my family under her wings and always treated me like we were her family. Our girls called her and Wayne grandma & grandpa from day one and to this day our girls are in their 30's and still call them that.

I worked with Thelma in the beauty shop. I learned many things from Thelma & Vivian and I did appreciated all they did for me.

If you did something that Thelma didn't like she would always let you know but in a firm voice but always very professional. Between Vivian and I don't know who got their hands slapped more me or Vivian. Thelma I am sure prayed long and hard to have us attend her church and her prayers were answered and for many years we attended Bullard Ave. we were all baptized and I know that thrilled her so much.

I know that she is in a much better place and looking down on us smiling. I am so thankful she is in no more pain. The Good Lord works in mysterious ways.

She will be truly missed. Our deepest sympathy to the family. Love the Bryant Family

Mary Vaux

June 29, 2005

I first met Thelma when I started going to Stacy Savala. She treated everyone with such graciousness she made you feel special. Just from the brief encounters I had with her I could tell she was a very special and blessed person. You now have an angel that is looking out for you.

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