Arlene S. Riley

Arlene S. Riley
Arlene S. Riley, 89, of Bethlehem Township, formerly of Wilson, died Sunday, October 19, 2008 in the comforting care of Mrs. Bushs Personal Care Homes, Kunkletown, where she was a resident since April. She was the wife of the late Francis J. Riley, with whom she celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to his death in 2006. Born March 7, 1919 in Wilson, she was the daughter of the late John H. and Minnie V. (Young) Yahraes. Arlene was a graduate of Wilson High School, class of 1936, and later attended the former Churchmans Business College, Easton. She worked in the payroll department of Penn DOT for many years before retiring in 1982. Previously, she worked as a clerk in the prothonotarys office of Northampton County. Earlier she worked as a secretary for Ingersoll-Rand Co., Phillipsburg. Arlene was a former member of St. Annes Catholic Church, Bethlehem, where she was active in the choir and served as a Eucharistic minister. She loved to bake, crochet, ride horses and tend her violets. Arlene especially enjoyed trips to the family cabin at Lake Minisink, Pike County. A sportsman at heart, she loved the game of tennis and basketball and she loved to watch football. In her later years, she became well informed of the political candidates and current issues. Most importantly, her grandchildren were the love of her life. Survivors: Two daughters, Susan L. McLaskey and her husband, Steve, of Fairfield, Iowa and Kathleen R. Wolff and her husband, Rudy, of Palmerton; granddaughter, Brook; grandson, Kipp Wolff; beloved pet dog, Mikey. In addition to her late husband, Francis, she was predeceased by her daughter, Christine C. Riley Akbar, in 2006, and a brother, Clyde H. Yahraes. Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, October 23, 2008 in the Finegan Funeral Home, 1837 Washington Blvd., Easton. Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday from 9:30-11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Forks Cemetery, Forks Township.