Janet "Jan" L. Riley

BYRON ~ Janet “Jan” L. Riley, age 90, passed away peacefully in her home in Byron, IL on February 15, 2024.  She was born in Rockford, IL, on February 6, 1934, the daughter of  Burdette “Mike” & Helen (Belden) Johnson.  Jan married James “Jim” Riley on October 10, 1970 at the Leaf River Methodist Church in Leaf River, IL.  She was a member of the United Church of Byron.  She worked at the Byron Bank as a cashier for many years.  Throughout her life she had many passions.  Some of these were flower gardening, collecting dolls and going antiquing with Jim.  Her biggest passions, however, were those that involved her family.  She loved to cook for them, crochet for them (each daughter, grandchild and great-grandchild had their own afghan) and to just spend time with them in general.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son Patrick, and husband Jim.

She is survived and missed dearly by her loving children Dennis (Eileen Shields) Riley of Oregon, IL; Chris Lindstrom of Madison, WI; Sue (Dick) Rock of Springfield, IL; Cathy Howe of Taylors, SC; Eric Nelson; David Nelson of Winston, GA;, Karen (Robert) Borneman of Leaf River, IL; 16 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.  

A memorial service will be held in her honor at the United Church of Byron on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:30 am with Pastor Tyler Spellious presiding.  Jan will be laid to rest along with her husband, Jim, at Byron Township Cemetery of Byron, IL.  In lieu of flowers the family asks you to please make a donation to either St. Jude’s Medical Center, the Rockford Rescue Mission, or the United Church of Byron.