Merna Jean Riley, 85, died January 4, 2022, at Wesley Towers. She was born February 14, 1936, in Logan, IA, to Alva W. and Jenny M. (Dinsmore) Cumiford.
Merna graduated from high school in Pleasant Hills, OR, in 1953. She worked as a custodian at Nickerson Grade School, retiring in 1995. Merna’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family.
On June 6, 1953, she married Melvin D. Riley, in Jasper, OR. They shared nearly 50 years of marriage before his death on October 3, 2001.
Merna is survived by: her children, Pam Beshears (Larry) of Sterling, Tammie Ruston (Randy) of Tulsa, OK, Tim Riley of Bentonville, AR, Dean Riley of Naples, FL, Darren Riley (Renissa) of Augusta; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; siblings, Dennis Cumiford (LaDonna) of California, Bobby Cumiford of Central Point, OR, Kevin Cumiford of Sprinfield, OR, Diane Butt of Springfield, OR, Debbie Gomes (Max) of McMinnville, OR; and numerous extended family members.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; daughter, Paula Riley; great-grandson, Cainan Weavel; brothers, Wayne, Dean, Ronnie, and Steve Cumiford; and sister, Norma Jones.
Graveside service will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Fairlawn Burial Park, 2401 Carey Blvd. Friends may sign her memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Elliott Mortuary.