Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
After a brave battle with cancer Carol Lee Riley, 71 passed away with her Wisconsin family at her side on March 22, 2013, at St Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, Wisconsin. She was born September 8, 1941, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Mary (Lewis) Shoemaker and Thomas Shoemaker. Carol lived in Ottumwa until she met and married Richard "Dick" Riley in 1961. They were transferred to Del Rio, Texas in 1969.
The most important part of Carol's life was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Carol was a homemaker, crafter, loved her pets and her yard.
In 1993 Carol moved to Jemez Springs, New Mexico where two of her children now live. She loved living in the beautiful Jemez Valley. She then moved to Denver City, Texas in 2006 with her eldest daughter. In 2007 Carol moved to Wisconsin to live with her sister and brother-in-law, Joan (Shoemaker) Hartman and Don Hartman. She loved spending time outside and feeding her birds, squirrels, and chipmunks.
Carol will be greatly missed by her sister and best friend, Joan and husband Don; her sister, Nikki; her four children, Kimberly Diane married to Robert Aguilar, Stacey JoAnn married to John Campbell, Kari Lee married to Gus Dozhier, and Richard Thomas Riley and Katie Lewis; her many grandchildren, Brandi and Robert Rabozzi, Shandee and Johnny Fulton, Jonathan Campbell, Connor, Jack and Taylor Dozhier and Samie and Taryn Riley; two stepgrandkids, Christina and Dezarae Aguilar; her great-grandchildren, Rebekka Fulton, Hadden and Sage Chisum, Jacob Fulton, Liam Rabozzi, Joseph, Joel and Hazel Valverde; her Aunt Helen Jobe, of Eldon, Iowa; and her Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Noble, of Davenport, Iowa. Carol's life was filled with many nieces and nephews, Melinda and Larry Klementson, Dorinda and Rick Smith, Michael and Maggie Hartman, Jenny and Jason Blank, Jill and Craig Peachy, Sara and Darrel Ewing and Elizabeth and Tyler Luebke; and of course there are many great-nieces and great-nephews also.
A touching memorial service was held at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne on March 24, 2013.
The family would like to extend a warm thank you to all the nursing staff and Drs. Sara Hartman, Montara and Cronkite at St. Elizabeth Hospital for treating our mother with kindness and tender loving care at a time when it was most needed. God bless you all.
Please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
Mueller Funeral Home
Winneconne, WI
(920) 582-4242
Sarah Dillon wrote on April 27, 2013
I'm so glad to have had Carol in my life. She was like a second mother to all of us who spent time at the Riley house. Such a wonderful, compassionate, and caring woman. It's been over a month and I still grieve for her loss even though I know she has finally found peace from the pain and suffering. I will miss her every day. I'm just so grateful that I was lucky enough to spend time with her before she moved from New Mexico. You are sorely missed, Carol! I love you always.
Lisa Bexley wrote on April 2, 2013
I always considered Ms. Riley as my second mom growing up with Kari. She influenced me in so many ways and helped me define the type of woman and mom I wanted to be when I grew up. Thanks to her, I still listen to rock n' roll in the car and whenever I hear a song from Blondie, I always picture her driving that yellow car or the fancy Cadillac, singing every word, with Chauncey in her lap!! I have so many great memories of her. I loved her dearly and she will be greatly missed!!
Sherri Moon White wrote on April 2, 2013
I am so sad to hear about Carol. She was like a second mom to me in my early teenage years. She always made me feel welcome in her home, and was always so sweet. She will be missed. My heart is with the whole family during this tough time.
Kari wrote on April 2, 2013
Mom was such a sweet, caring & loving mother & nana. I still can't believe I won't be able to call her when I need some advice or just to share something that happened in the day. She is deeply missed already but her legacy lives within us. God be with you mom. Thank you to those who have shared your thoughts & stories. They are a true source of comfort.
Carol Lewis wrote on March 30, 2013
So sorry to hear of Carol's passing. I knew her and her family in the 60's in Ottumwa. Was just thinking of her the other day when I drove by their first house on Mary St. Used to babysit Kimmie and take her shopping when she was little. Carol was such a sweet and beautiful lady inside and out.
Jim and Lou Swinney wrote on March 29, 2013
We were neighbors with Carol in Del Rio, Texas. She was a great lady. We express our sympathy to her family.
Tracy wrote on March 29, 2013
I'm so sorry about the loss. She will be remembered as a wonderful lady. I was blessed to meet her and got to know her sister and family.
Margy Stagers wrote on March 29, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Carol's death. We ran around together many, many years ago. There were the group of us, along with Carol, her sister Joni, Gerri, Celia, Joyce and myself. I have fond memories of those times we shared.