Mary Jane Riley

Mary Jane Riley, 88, of Pekin, IL passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025. She was born May 9, 1936 in Pekin, IL to Hector and Mabel (Griffiths) Buckley. She married Stanley Riley on August 13, 1955 which Stan said was the beginning of nearly 70 wonderful years together with the love of his life. Surviving are: husband Stan; three sons, David Earl (Melanie) Riley, Ken (Patricia) Riley, Steve Riley and Amanda Van Dyke; grandchildren Kyla (David) Colson, Mason (Katherine) Riley-Anderson, Mitch Riley and Vanessa Sparrow; John, Ben and Samantha Schmidt; great-grandchildren Kaydence, Kendall, and Karter Gordon and Elizabeth, Alivia, and Madison Colson; Jackson, Declan, Killian, and John Jr. Schmidt; Hudson Kreiling and Olivia Van Dyke; one brother Donald Buckley; and several nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Earl (Butch) and Selma Riley, grandson Steven DJ Riley, sister-in-law Karen Buckley, and brother/sister-in-law Norman and Nita Westerdahl. Mary Jane worked at Pekin Insurance, taught as a Teachers Aid, and worked many years in management at Bergners Department Store in the Pekin Mall until retiring in 1991. She was very active throughout her life in 4-H and the University of Illinois Home Extension Program. She was an excellent bowler and an avid target shooter and enjoyed hosting and playing pinochle with her card club friends. She also loved time spent at the family cabin on Spring Lake and gardening at the farm which was home for 30 years. When not in the great outdoors, she could be found antiquing or traveling to ice rinks for hockey games, ice skating competitions, or any and all activities involving her grandchildren. Her greatest joys and loves in life were her husband, three sons, and all of her grandchildren. Mary Jane raised and took care of many generations of her family and left an indelible mark on all of us. The amazing positive impact, lessons, dedication and love she exhibited and instilled in her family is her legacy and we thank her for making us all better people through her guidance and influence. We miss her dearly. The family would also like to thank Kyles Care At Home and Willow Ridge Hospice for their compassionate and outstanding care provided to Mary Jane during her long illness. While there were numerous family members and others throughout the past five years who have lovingly taken care of her, we really appreciate Angie Trammel, Theresa Hudson, and Hallie DeCapp for their tremendous support and excellent care of the Riley family, especially during the final year of Mary Janes life. A private family service will be held as soon as arrangements are made. Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting with the preparations. Mary Jane was of the Catholic faith and memorial contributions may be made to St. Josephs Catholic Church in Pekin, Willow Ridge Hospice Care of Havana, Tazewell County 4-H, University of Illinois Home Extension or a charity of the donors choice.