Leona Marie (Head) Riley

Leona Marie (Head) Riley was born July 22, 1936, to her mother Maude Head, in Fredericktown, Missouri. At the age of fourteen, she took a trip to New York before moving to St. Louis, Missouri. On June 26, 1958, Leona was united in marriage to the love of her life, Doyle Riley. Leona and Doyle were blessed with two sons, Glen and Gary. She took immense pride in caring for her home and raising her children. Leona was a loving and devoted wife to Doyle for sixty-seven years. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her granddaughter Samantha, who was the apple of her eye. In the late seventies she owned and operated Leah’s Stitch and Tyme where she spent many hours in her sewing room creating beautiful handmade quilts made with love. She was an extremely talented seamstress a gift that she continued to use for many years. In the kitchen, she was known for her cooking skills. While she in New York, she mastered an amazing Swiss Steak recipe she was taught by an Italian lady. Leona was recently interviewed for a magazine where her recipe will be featured. Leona loved being outdoors and proudly kept her yard immaculate. She truly enjoyed yardwork and was mowing even in her later years. She also loved to garden and tend to her flower beds. Leona was a lady of faith. She attended Bethel Church for many years and served as a Sunday School Teacher and Secretary. Her unwavering faith in the Lord carried her through life’s many challenges, and it was the foundation upon which she built her marriage, raised her family, and served her church. Leona entered Heaven August 20, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of eighty-nine years. She is survived by her loving husband Doyle Riley of Salem, MO; son: Gary Riley and wife Trina Dunn of Salem, MO; granddaughter: Samantha Riley and friend Caleb Smith of Salem, MO; brother: Louis “Bud” Head and wife Wanda of Salem, MO; nieces and nephews: Vicki Lewis and husband David McDonald of St. James, MO, Shelby Sheppard and partner Kenny Henry of St. James, MO, Chad Head of Salem, MO, Dennis McCarter and wife Lori of Foristell, MO, Diane Davis and Husband Gayle of Rogersville, MO, and Delbert McCarter of St. James, MO; other relatives and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her son: Glen Riley; daughter-in-law: Jonetta Riley; mother: Maude Head-Holly; sister: Arlene Bellew; sisters-in-law: Joyce Head and Phyllis McCarter and husband Gene. Leona had an approach on life marked by patience, humility, and gentleness. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, grace, and unconditional love, one that will live on in every garden tended, every handmade stitch, and every act of quiet resilience by those who knew her best. Funeral Services for Leona Marie (Head) Riley were held Saturday, August 23, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Bro. Billy Miller officiating. Song selections played were “Canaan Land” and “Victory In Jesus”. Serving as Pallbearers were Dennis McCarter, Rick Shults, Matt McCarter, Gayle Davis, Caleb Smith, and Hayden McCarter. Burial was in the Jadwin Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Leona Riley to the Children’s Heart Foundation and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Leona Marie (Head) Riley

July 22, 1936 - August 20, 2025