Ralph E. Riley, Sr.

Ralph E. Riley, Sr.
(January 5, 1925 – September 18, 2021)

Ralph E. Riley, Sr. , 96, of Cowden, IL, passed away at 6:27 p.m. Saturday, September 18, 2021 in his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Pastor Darrell Hinkle officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, 2021 in the funeral home. Burial will be in Hubbartt Cemetery, Beecher City, IL with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Ralph was born on January 5, 1925 at home, near Holliday, IL, the son of John Marion and Ethel Alma (Sweazy) Riley. He attended Cowden High School until he was drafted into the U.S. Army.  Ralph served during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps. Ralph returned home and began working at Sta-Rite in Shelbyville. He later worked for the Oliver Corporation in Shelbyville, Fedders in Effingham and retired from Caterpillar in Decatur.  Ralph was affiliated with the First Christian Church in Cowden and a member of VFW Post #4829 in Shelbyville.  He married Hazel Irene Renner on March 13, 1948 and she preceded him in death on November 17, 2017.

Ralph loved to spend time outdoors, tending to his garden and animals.  He was a boisterous story teller.  His favorite stories and memories involved the family he loved so much.  His eyes lit up any time he saw or spoke of his great grandchildren, who brought him so much laughter and love.

Ralph is survived by his sons, Ralph Riley, Jr. of Altamont, IL, and Rodney (Karis) Riley of Effingham, IL; daughters, Roxie Alwardt of St. Elmo, IL and Rita (Orville) Kirkendoll of Herrick, IL; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; brother, John Riley of Monticello, IL; brother-in-law, Raymond (Sheila) Renner of Stewardson, IL; and sisters-in-law, Wilma Riley of Beecher City, IL, Eva Roberts of Shelbyville, IL, and Doreen Renner of Columbus, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hazel; son-in-law, Glenn Alwardt; daughter-in-law, Karen Riley; brothers, Jack (Marilyn) Riley and Don Riley; sisters, Evelyn Riley, Virginia (Clarence) Sanders, Fern Riley, Wilma (Homer) Sanders, Elva (Robert) Cragg and Rosalie (Richard) Sattley; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alice and Homer Renner; brothers-in-law, Bob (Geraldine) Renner, Bill Renner, Homer Leo Renner, Jr. and Eddie Roberts; and sisters-in-law,  Mary Riley and Helen (Jim) Hudson.