On the morning of February 19, 2018, Gene Eldon Riley passed away following a 3 year battle with cancer while surrounded by his loving family, friends and the wonderful staff of Hearts & Home Assisted Living in Miles City, MT. Gene was 80 years old at the time of his passing.
Gene Eldon Riley was born to Herschel (H.K.) and Margaret (Benson) Riley on April 22, 1937 in Miles City, MT and lived in Jordan until 1943 when he moved with his family to Hood River, OR. He attended schools in Oregon and graduated from Laurelwood Academy in Gaston, OR in 1955 where he was active in the Men’s Quartet. Following graduation he attended Walla Walla College for a period of time.
In 1957, Gene moved back to Jordan where he went to work for the ASCS. Gene later went into the trucking business in Garfield County.Gene was united in marriage to Pauline Ritter on June 14, 1958 and to this union two children were born, Echo and Craig. Gene and Pauline were later divorced.
In 1966, Gene moved to Miles City and went into business leasing the Range Riders Bar. He later purchased the Mint Bar and renamed it the Trails Inn Bar and ran that for several years for a total of 12 years in the bar business. He said 12 years in the bar business was enough for anyone. In the early 70’s Gene was a Director of the Cow Capital Turf Club and owned a race horse named Cat’s Meow. Gene married Phyllis Thorley on March 22, 1968. They were later divorced.
After leaving the Trails Inn, Gene ran cattle for a while and then went to work driving truck for Jerke Trucking throughout the western United States. He then sold insurance for Farmer Stockman for 25 years until his retirement in 2014. He enjoyed establishing new relationships and renewing old friendships with the local ranchers and farmers.
Gene loved to be on the back of a horse with his faithful dog Billie running alongside. He loved to golf and purchased a home on the golf course where the view from his living room window was the fourth hole. He spent many enjoyable hours with his coffee buddies while catching up on the latest news and sharing stories with one another.
Gene loved his children and grandchildren and was proud of all their accomplishments, never failing to show his friends their pictures and sharing what they were involved with and the things they excelled at and how proud he was of them. Gene kept in very close contact with his high school classmates who were very dear friends and he faithfully attended their annual class reunions in Oregon until he was no longer able to do so.
Gene is survived by his children, Echo (Sam) Kampf and Craig (Sherry) Riley; his grandchildren, Felicia and Tessa Kampf, Shalina and Liam Riley; his great grandson, Toki and his sisters Mona (Dan) Beringer, Dawn Rookhuizen and Kay (Floyd) Beecher.
He was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, his grandparents, his sister Lyn Riley and his granddaughter Sierra Kampf.
Gene’s family would like to give a special thank you to Mary Margaret Friend, Judy Schantz, Stephanie Thomason, Kara Erickson, PA, Hospice and the entire staff of the Holy Rosary Hospital, the Hearts & Home Assisted Living, along with Jo Meidinger, Anita Muri, Junior Clendenen and Destiny Carlson for all they did for Gene and for his family to make his battle with cancer a little easier to endure and full of laughter and love.
A Celebration of Life and Luncheon will be held on June 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Miles City Town and Country Club. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life/Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Saturday June 9, 2018
Miles City Town and Country Club
727 S. 4th Street
MIles City, MT
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life/Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Saturday June 9, 2018
Miles City Town and Country Club
727 S. 4th Street
MIles City, MT
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers for all Genes Family May you find Comfort in all of your Memories and in Gods Love He will be missed by all who knew him,
Karen Barnes says
My sympathy to all of Gene’s family. May your good memories comfort you at this difficult time. I worked with Gene many years ago at the ASC office – as did Allen and we used to visit back and forth when he still lived in Jordan. Did get to visit with him at the hospital cafeteria some time ago and it was so good to see him and visit. God Bless you all.
Gary Riley says
I a m sorry to hear of your passing. Gene was my cousin and my best friend when we were growing up in Jordan I am sorry that I will not be able to attend the funeral but he will be in my thought and prayers. I will keep in my memories forever..
John and Lillian Loomis says
We are so very sorry , we pray that you will find comfort in all of the wonderful memories !
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
I am so sorry to hear of Gene’s passing! I used to hang out with Echo, Craig and Phyllis-you all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Brad and Carmen Knutson says
We had the honor of living next door to Gene. We grew to love him! We so enjoyed sharing our home and holidays with him. He will be greatly missed. Extending our deepest sympathy to his family.
Dr. Beeson and Staff says
He was such a nice man. We will miss him also.
John and Sylvia says
Echo, Craig, Kay and families
So sorry to hear of your loss, sending our sympathy and
prayers to all of you
Greg&Michelle Johnston says
Geneo! You will be missed! Great friend at the course and in the clubhouse. You taught me lessons in poker, very expensive but valuable ( I hope). You are at a place now with many partners and I’m told you never miss a putt. You can play at your own pace now(slow,slower, slowest) Love you bro!!!!$
Diane Rath Hewett says
To all of Gene’s family, My deepest sympathy to each of you. Please know that I am thinking of all of you as you go through this difficult time. May God bless you and give you peace and comfort. Sincerely, Diane
Mary Alice Murnion says
To all of Genes family, my deepest sympathy. Gene was a special kind of guy, if you were his friend, you were always his friend, we enjoyed him, his seinse of humor was uplifting and I will remember him as a kind and loving friend of John D’s and mine for many many years. Your battle is won Gene, enjoy your rewards.
Muff Engdahl says
Echo, Craig, Mona, Dawn, Kay and families,
So sorry for your loss. Gene was one of a kind and he will be missed by all that had the privilege to know him. Thoughts and prayers to all of you, hold your memories close in your hearts, they bring you comfort during this sad time.
Muff and family
Shannon (Riley) Larsen says
So glad I got to spend some time (though short) back in Jordan with Gene, Phyllis & Lynn in 1968. Wonderful memories of those days! So sorry for your loss Echo & Craig & families. Also to Mona, Dawn & Karen Kay, so sorry for your loss of another beloved sibling. Life is so short. Love each other with gusto & forgive trespasses daily. Love & prayers to all!!!❤️
Dianne and Dave Scotten says
Echo,Sam, and family, we are so sorry for your loss! May the many memories bring you comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
DJ and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Most heartfelt condolences to all of Gene’s family. Echo & Craig & families, Kay & Dawn & Mona & families… may happy memories be a comfort and may God walk with each of you.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
The fight is over, but the legend goes on. My sincerest sympathy to all of Gene’s family & great friends.
jenny frady says
echo, craig and family , we are so sorry for your loss! may God bless and heal you all
Jaki Schaefer says
I was so sorry to read about the passing of your loved one.
I wanted to share two scriptures that helped me with the passing of my own parents.
Revelation 21:3,4 is God’s promise of a time where all pain,suffering and even death will be gone. Acts 24:15 tells us that there is going to be a resurrection , a time where we will see them again.
May the God of Tender Mercies, comfort and help you through these hard times.
Sincerely,
Jaki Schaefer
http://WWW.JW.ORG
Jennie Hilderman says
I have known Gene for many years. He always put a smile on my face. He fought a courageous battle. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Chris (Kiosse) and Dennis Young says
We are so sorry to hear of Genes passing. We purchased the Trails Inn bar from him many years ago. Our sympathies go out to the family.
Echo says
My dearest Dad, I loved you so much and always will. I have always been a Daddy’s girl from the day I was born and have felt that I was the luckiest person on this earth to have you as my Father. You fought a long hard fight and did not give up the fight easily. Now you will have no more pain and suffering on this earth and you joyfully have joined your Granddaughter and other loved ones in heaven. They are enjoying your love and sense of humor and twinkle in your eyes. I love you, Dad, and I look forward to the day I will see you again in the glories of heaven.
Nicholson’s says
Dearest Echo and family,
This closure will help you through what has been a long patch of sadness and gladness of shared memories and love for one another. God bless you and the family.
Our love,
Randy and Amy Nicholson