Ella Marie was born on May 25, 1915 in Hebron, Nebraska; the daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Scheiding) Fuller. Ella entered eternally into peace on Thursday; September 11, 2008 at her home in Essex, Iowa at the age of 93 years, 3 months and 17 days.
Ella's early life was spent in Northern Nebraska and Northwest Missouri. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. She attended school in rural country schools in Northern Nebraska. On October 17, 1936 she was united in marriage to Lawrence Hayes Riley in Oregon, Missouri. The couple was later blessed with six children. Ella was a hard working wife and mother. She attended to her children's needs and later in life enjoyed caring for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Holidays and special occasions were important at the Riley house and often celebrated. Ella was the "glue" that held the family together during times of trial and loss.
She attended the Presbyterian Church in Essex for many years and was also active in the various activities at Southview Village where she resided. Among her hobbies and interests were sewing, embroidering, cooking, playing cards, dancing, gardening and visiting with her friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence, brothers Harvey Fuller and Norman Fuller, sister Lorene Fuller, beloved daughter Donna Kinney, son-in-laws Charles Kinney and Steve Scheiding and three cherished great-grandchildren.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children; Paul Riley and wife Helen of Essex, IA, David Riley and wife Emma of Essex, IA, Robert Riley and wife Connie of Davenport, IA, Jerry Riley and wife Sharon of Pittsburg, KS and Linda Scheiding of Thornton, CO; 16 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great grandchildren; a brother George Fuller of St. Joseph, MO; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, September 14, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at the Essex Presbyterian Church. Words of comfort were given by Pastors Jerry Lamb and Gary fuller. Special music was "One Day At A Time", "Beautiful Savior", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", and "When I Get To Where I'm, Going". Memories of Ella were shared by Robert Riley and Calvin Kinney. Attending the register book were Brenda Riley and Karol Siekman. Usher was John Bengtson. Casket bearers were Curtis Riley, Patrick Riley, Jeff Riley, Rod Riley, David Riley and Calvin Kinney. Honorary casket bearers were Jim Alexander, Marge Alexander, Terri Allen, Harley Greenwalt, Todd Franks and Lysle Nelson. Interment was in the Essex Cemetery. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.