Patricia Lyn Riley, age 67, of Billings formerly of Jordan passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2014 in Billings, Montana.
Lyn was born July 12, 1946 in Jordan, Montana, the daughter of H.K. and Wilma (Mury) Riley. Lyn graduated from GCHS in 1964 as salutatorian of her class and received a degree in education from Northern Montana College. She taught school for over 40 years, starting in Garfield County, teaching at many different country schools. She also taught in Sidney, Jordan, Opheim, Gardiner and Goodrich, ND.
Although Lyn had no children of her own, she devoted her life to other people’s children, giving countless hours of devotion to her students both as an instructor and as a friend. Her speech and drama teams won high honors at their meets and came home with many trophies to show for their hard work. Lyn will also be remembered for directing many plays while she was in Jordan and she was a founding member of the Driftwood Players. On April 4, 2008, Lyn was inducted into the Hall of Fame by Montana Forensic Educators Association, an award given to Speech and Drama coaches who have excelled as educators in their field.
Lyn’s many hobbies included gardening, growing beautiful flowers, sewing, crocheting, scrapbooking and of course, movies and the theater.
Lyn leaves behind the family that she loved so dearly. She is survived by her sisters, Kay (Floyd) Beecher, Mona (Dan) Beringer and Dawn Rookhuizen, her brother, Gene; her nephews, Bryce (Kristin) Beecher, Charles (Kacey) Beecher; Craig (Sherrie) Riley, Eric (Phuong Lynn) Jensen and Derek Rookhuizen; her nieces Echo (Sam) Kampf, Taryl Jensen and Heather (Troy) Wallace; her great-nieces and nephews, Felicia and Tessa Kampf, Shalena and Liam Riley, Kierre Jensen, Mai Lynn and Vi Lynn Jensen, Faith Riley Wallace, Seeley Riley Beecher and Jordan Grace Beecher; her aunt, Fay Ziegele, and numerous cousins. Lyn was preceded in death by her parents, Wilma and H.K. Riley and her nephew, Jay Jensen.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned per Lyn’s wishes. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Share
Kara (Clark) Lambert says
To Kay and all of Lyn’s family, so very sorry to hear of this loss. Thinking of you and wishing you God’s Blessings of comfort.
Kristy Harbaugh says
I am so sorry for your loss. Lyn will be missed greatly. Thinking and praying for you and your family at this time.
Nedra Drew Vander Vorste says
OH, Auntie Lyn! the fun times we had! I will never forget English class, and all the things I learned from you, both in class, and just as a friend! I so missed you after I graduated from high school! I loved English class, and will always remember the green M&Ms! Do you remember the day the whole jar disappeared off of your desk? ha ha……I always looked forward to English class, as it was my favorite class, because you made it so fun! I will get to see you again someday, and I will get to hug you again, just like I did when I was your student! Be happy, Lyn….and enjoy your “retirement” with the Lord! I love you and I always will!
Christine Keltner says
Kay—–sorry to see we lost Lyn, she will be missed by many. She made chorus fun!!
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Kay, and all of Lyn’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss,,and I am glad that Lyn is now in a better place where there is no suffering… God Bless you ALL during this time of mourning .
Carol
Terri (Galla) Jessen says
To all of Lynnie’s family, This lady was my favorite all time teacher and also a friend. My favorite subject was always English from the time I was a small girl and I so enjoyed her class as she was the greatest teacher ever. She made my high school days enjoyable and unforgettable and I will never forget her kindness and patience. She had the biggest heart ever and I will miss her greatly. She is now a beautiful Angel watching over all of us, she touched so many lives while on this earth and will continue in Heaven as her spirit lives on forever in all of us who knew her and loved her.
Agnes (Beard) Drane says
Lyn was always one of my best friends and school buddies. She was so smart and would help me with my school work, but just wouldn’t do it for me (darn her anyways). She was a wonderful gal who was loved by all. I have lots of memories of our childhood and school days. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Tammi (Grimm) Littrell says
In all of my fond memories of High School, Lyn has a starring role. From Speech and Drama to English class, this dear lady was a mentor and a friend. Miss Riley, I will forever hold your memory dear to my heart…you were the best! Godspeed!
Josh Ricardi says
Lyn, was a great individual and teacher. It was a privilege to have been taught by her. I greatly enjoyed her classes and her encouragement in regards to our academics and extra curricular activities. She will be greatly missed and the news of her departure leaves my heart heavy. Thoughts and prayers with all. Thank you Lyn for the dedication, patience and encouragement you showed toward all of your students including me. Your time had a positive effect on so many. You did a wonderful job, thank you Lyn.
Kelly Childers and family says
Kay and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lyn’s passing. I know that you are never “ready” for someone you love to leave, but she is whole and healthy now and I can hear her laugh. You can be sure that she will be catching everyone up on anything they missed. She will be in my heart always.
Kelly
Teal Hansard says
Lynn will be miss ever so much she was a wonderfulwoman who touched many llives.
Sandy Gibson says
So many fun memories of Lynn… she was a great teacher and person… Thinking of all of her family at this time…
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Our deepset sympathy to Lynn’s family on your loss. She will be missed. God Bless!
Glen and Teena
Shannon St. John - Ackeret says
It brings a smile to my face when I think about Ms. Riley (as I knew her). I especially remember her making us participate in at least one speech & debate competition. I didn’t like it at the time, but in retrospect it was exactly what this “nervous Nelly” needed. She directed Godspell in Opheim which is one of the highlights of my high school years…along with playing Princess Prince of Zob proper…can’t remember the name of the play but sure had fun. Lyn was an excellent teacher and a good friend to my folks. Sympathies to all her family, friends and former students. You made a difference Ms. Riley!
Mareta Brusett says
So sorry to hear about Lynn. I have good memories of her as a kid and working with her at GCHS in Jordan.
Todd Larson says
I have to totally honest, Lynn was a good teacher, even though I fell asleep in her class a time or too, but she had faith in me where I had none at all and for that I am eternally grateful! She had such a good humor and was a friend to her students and they was one thing you could always bank on, in Lynn’s classroom there was either laughter or snoring coming from her classroom. (The snoring was me). All kidding aside, Lynn was great person and she will be missed. God speed Lynn!
Dan Klemisch says
I was Lyn’s principal for 5 years in Goodrich, ND. My wife Deb, son Kevin, and I are sadden by Lyn’s passing. We all have so many great memories of Lyn. We helped Lyn a lot after she lost her leg. We would drive her to Bismarck to get groceries and run errands. Lyn had a tough exterior but one the inside she was one of the kindest individuals I have ever met. She cared so much for her family and students at school. She will definitely be missed by our family. Rest in peace Miss Riley.
Amelia Murphy says
Ms. Riley,
Thanks for all the memories of the puzzles and teaching me how to make them a solid portrait:)
You will be greatly missed.
Diane (Rath) Hewett says
Kay and all of Lyn’s family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lyn’s death. Please know that I am thinking of you in your time of sorrow. May she rest in Peace.
God Bless you all,
Diane
Dodie Paxson says
Kay and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lyn’s passing. I remember her days teaching at Flat Creek and I loved to stay there with her. She was so kind, smart, sweet and caring and I loved to hang out with her. She will be missed by all.
Hugs,
Dodie
Phil and Darlene says
Condolences and Prayers are being sent to all the family. Hopefully all the memories will make this time easier for you. Just know all the pain and suffering is over for her. If we can help in any way please call . Love and Blessings to you.
Laurel Noland says
Kay – The above comments couldn’t be a better eulogy and testament for the life Lyn lead. The peoples lives she touched with her talent as a teacher, her kindness and sense of humor and her enthusiasm for whatever she was doing will live on in all of those students, friends and family. God Bless you all.
Katie Hageman says
Kay and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write this after learning of Lyn’s passing. Lyn was one of a kind and loved by all who knew her. She had a great personality and a heart of gold. Her students benefited from her many talents and her production of plays at the Rio Theatre will always be a treasured memory. We worked together at the Tastee Freez, taught country schools and often communicated and compared notes. She was very bright and had a wealth of knowledge, which she shared unselfishly. Lyn was instrumental in me pursuing a teaching degree and attending Northern Montana College. She graciously escorted my parents and myself to Havre, delivering me to Donaldson Hall. What a comfort it was that she knew everyone and instructed the resident assistants to take care of me!!! Don’t believe Lyn knew a stranger. So glad we had a long telephone conversation after our move to Billings. We had planned to get together, which I am sorry just didn’t happen yet. May you rest in peace Dear Lyn and Blessings to all your family.
Lynne Lufborough says
Kay and family. Sorry for Lyn’s passing and for your family’s loss. I fondly remember sitting next to Lyn in band for many years in high school and all of the funny things that we experienced. Lyn was always a favorite with me and many others. Although I had lost touch with her over the years she hasn’t been forgotten. God Bless.
Shanna Blomquist Bradford says
Miss Riley was one of the most fun teachers I have ever had. She gave me such confidence and helped develop my self esteem. The way she taught drama was so much fun and so care free. I have given many talks and speeches in my life and she taught me how to present them well and with much confidence. My mom loved her dearly as well. Thank you Miss Riley.
Dave and Helen Cogley says
Kay and family, I (Helen) spent many a day and night at your family home with my very good friend and classmate, Lyn. We will miss her terribly. Lyn was one of our 19 classmates growing up in Jordan. This year, we will celebrate our 50 yr. class reunion and will honor Lyn’s life and many, many accomplishments. She was a great lady and touched so many young lives as a teacher and mentor.
Judy Anderson says
My heart sunk when I heard the news of one of the most unique women I have ever met. Lyn and I spent many, many, hours, days, months, and years together in Gardiner teaching, coaching, and being great friends. Lyn taught me patience and perspective in life. She was “Auntie Lyn” to my kids Brandon and Teal Hansard. They loved her so!
There was nothing Lyn couldn’t do. She taught me to quilt, can fruits and veggies, and many other miscellaneous things. Lyn was a fantastic teacher that touched so many young lives that are now very successful adults. Many of her students later came back to thank her for what she did for them.
I want all of Lyn’s family to know that when I would visit her in Billings she talked of her family all the time. You were her pride and joy! Her stories of the holidays, barbeques, and gifts she would buy months in advanced for all occasions would make her smile with much happiness.
Lyn always put other people before her. That was what made her so special. You can’t replace the beauty of what Lyn did during her time here with us.
Lyn I will miss you so. God Bless you. We will meet again!
Love you!
Judith Anderson
Travis Fuhrman says
Lyn was an amazing woman. I had the fortune of being her student for three years at Opheim. Lyn was the epitome of teaching devotion. Most of all, Lyn was instructive both in and out of the classroom. The lessons she taught went far beyond classroom walls. I know Lyn is in a good place, looking around, and finding all kinds of things to do in her Heavenly home.
Betty Mart says
Kay – I knew you girls as young children and even then Lyn had a unique personality all her own and I loved it. I baby set many times. I am so sorry for your loss but she is at peace now. May God grant her family peace and joy for having known her
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Our most heartfelt condolences and prayers to all of Lyn’s family. May your memories be a comfort to you and may the Lord walk with each of you.
Terry Risa says
I was so sorry to hear of Lyn’s passing. I taught with her in Opheim and have kept in touch with her at Christmas time. She was a wonderful lady. I learned much from her as a colleague and friend. Her memory will stay with me forever. My condolences and prayers to all her family and the many friends and students she has touched.
Rose Schuster says
Ms. Riley was my English teacher in Opheim. The game, Trivial Pursuit, was popular at the time, and she was the master. She could take on any number of people, as a team, and still win, singlehandedly. I went to her for help with all my school subjects because she was just so darn smart. She brought out the arts in all of us farm and ranch kids, forcing us to be in Speech & Drama (bless her heart) and encouraging us to be in the school plays. What a great, great teacher! To Lyn’s family: thank you for sharing this beautiful person with us.
Sharon George says
Dear Family and Friends of Lyn,
It was my great fortune to coach Speech and Debate at Big Timber while Lyn was coaching at Gardiner. Not only was she a great coach, but she was a mentor to many new coaches each year. A funny, open, caring colleague and friend, she was popular across the entire state of Montana in the world of Speech, Debate, and Drama. It was a delight to travel with her team to State Meets and to experience life with her both in the competition realm and in the daily life realm. She was a classy dresser, always in artsy jewelry, and with a genuine smile. Her fondness for theatre, books, and movies was evidence of her appreciation of quality writing. It will come as no surprise to you all that Lyn’s place in a Speech Meet tabulation room was often the center of all visiting and laughter. She was truly a dear! Her Christmas letters show her pride in her family. She was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have her. Be well,
Sharon George
formerly of Montana, now in Ohio
Shannon (Riley) Larsen says
I didn’t know? Thought I had time still to come visit you! I look forward to seeing you in heaven! Love you so much!