Colleen Riches

Our loving supportive wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandma, age 91, passed away Wednesday, March 27, 2024. She was a caring friend and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ.
Colleen Dalley was born March 9, 1933 to Charles Leland and Zola Carter Dalley in Cedar City, Utah. She was the middle child in a family of five. Colleen moved to different counties in Utah as her father worked for the Federal government for 34 years. Colleen was age one when the family moved to St. George, then Panguitch, back to St. George, to Cedar City, to Bountiful and finally Salt Lake. She attended Davis Junior and Davis High for 2 years where she played clarinet and bassoon in the orchestra. She attended Granite High for her senior year and again played in the orchestra. She was also on the school newspaper staff.
Colleen and Byron met their senior year at Granite High School. Colleen married Byron Jay Riches on September 26, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were parents to 6 children: Bradley, Shauna, Sharon, Steven, Marianne and Karen. The family moved to Holladay in 1962 where Byron and Colleen have continued to live.
Colleen did beautiful embroidery work on tablecloths and pillowcases and won blue ribbons in the Iron County Fair youth division. She was an exceptional seamstress making clothing for herself, children, mother and sister. She made lovely bridesmaid dresses for family and wedding attendants.
Colleen was a very active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and worked in the Primary and Relief Society organizations. She led the singing in Primary and Junior Sunday School for many years and this was her favorite calling. She typed genealogical records at the Church Office Building for 3 years. She and Byron were in a "Study Group" with 8 couples for 52 years studying the Standard Works. She enjoyed reading the scriptures and taking Church History Tours. Colleen loved reading and had a large library of religious and inspirational books. She didn't ever learn to channel surf on the television, finding it much more enjoyable to open a book and learn something new.
Colleen loved her dogs – collies Ember and Samantha. Her last and favorite was a beautiful white dog named Bear Bear. He walked with Colleen for 14 years. He knew the neighbors on their route, especially the ones who gave him a treat. Her grandchildren and greats called her "Grandma Bear Bear" in his honor.
Colleen excelled in typing and shorthand and was employed after high school by the Utah Department of Employment Security as an administrative assistant. She transferred to the Community Action Program where she was the Board of Trustees recording secretary. She transferred to the Salt Lake County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. In 1975 she transferred to the Salt Lake County Extension Service of Utah State University where she continued to work until she retired in 1995. Colleen served as the secretary and treasurer of the Salt Lake County Public Employees Association for 26 years where she worked closely with the County Board of Commissioners. An additional assignment from the commissioners was to serve as the Recording Secretary for the Salt Lake County Council of Governments for 25 years where she was much admired for her secretarial and administrative skills.
Colleen tried to be a diligent mother in spite of working outside of her home. Byron depended on her to ready him for his many singing engagements. She made nutritious lunches for Byron and Brad for many years. Her children learned how to serve others by following her example of working hard with a joyful spirit. Beanie Babies were "the thing" for many years. She had a large collection and delighted in giving beanies to her children and grandchildren.
After retiring Colleen began a fun career of designing, planting, weeding and pruning many beautiful gardens in their neighborhood. She had a great talent at deciding what flowers and plants would grow to accent each area. The money she earned was sent to the Humanitarian or Perpetual Education Funds of the Church. This was done in lieu of a mission she and Byron could not serve due to family responsibilities. Colleen and Byron served for 8 years at Holladay's Care Source and Sunrise Retirement Centers.
Colleen was a dedicated member of the Holladay Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She served as captain, secretary and treasurer for many years. She was a docent at the D.U.P. International Museum for 15 years. She loved doing family history and made each member of our family and extensive history book of our ancestors.
Colleen and Bryon bowled for 54 years on the "RJ Foursome: team with Dave and GaLeen Johnson. They also attended BYU basketball games when Kresimer Chosich was a star as well as U of U games when the Utes made it into the Final Four at the NCCA Tournament.
Colleen and Byron were very adventurous travelers and especially enjoyed Israel, Egypt, Rome, Book of Mormon Tours and many cruises to Europe and Scandinavia, South America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia. She collected small Christmas tree ornaments from all the countries they visited and these were lovingly placed on a small Christmas tree in their front window.
Colleen is survived by her husband, five children – Brad, Shauna (George) Stingley, Sharon (Ted) Pierce, Marianne (Mark) Peck, and Karen (Don) Brandon, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and family.
She was preceded in death by her son Steven, parents, sister Leola, brothers Richard and Standford.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday April 2, 2024 at Holladay 26th Ward at 11:00 am, with a viewing prior from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. A viewing will be held the night before on Monday April 1, 2024 at the ward building from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. 4601 Chapel Street, Holladay, Utah. Interment will follow funeral services at Elysian Burial Gardens.