Clara Belle Riley, 87

Clara Belle Riley, 87, of Middleport, Ohio, died peacefully Sunday, January 8, 2017, 10 days short of her 88th birthday, at Overbrook Rehabilitation Center. She passed away surrounded in love by her family, after a long weakening of her health.

She was born to the late Kelly and Hazel (Call) Gilmore on January 18, 1929. After her mother died when Clara was young, she raised her younger sisters, Mary “Pooch” and Betty Lou. Clara was a graduate of Middleport High School. Clara married the late Theodore “Ted” Riley, Jr., the love of her life, on Oct. 20, 1955, whom she called “Junior”.

Clara was a mother and homemaker, and briefly worked at Ohio University in the Registrar’s Office. Her home was always open to family and friends. She loved to be surrounded by her family and welcomed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, babysitting and spoiling whenever she could. She was quick witted and loved to tease.

Before her health decline, Clara enjoyed creating art of all kinds, including watercolor painting, painting ceramics, and making rugs. She also had a passion for collecting ceramics and glassware.

Clara is survived by her four children, Buddy (Karen) Moore of Gallipolis, Ohio, Sonny (Janice) Haynes of Coolville, Ohio, Joyce (Richard) Douglas of Glouster, Ohio, and John Pat (Megan) Riley of Racine, Ohio; her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Terry (Betty Lou Gilmore) Wolfe of Chester, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Jill (Butch) Wright, Brent Moore, Myca Haynes, Meghan Haynes (Nathan Grubb), Kelly (John) Sole, Jerrod (Maria) Douglas, Jason (Lesley) Riley, Jamin (Victoria) Riley, Jonna (Kirk) Turley, and Benjamin (Cassie) Manuel; 19 great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to her parents and “Junior”, Clara was preceded in death by her sister Mary Margaret “Pooch” Brewer, brother-in-law James L. Brewer, and nephews Jim and Terry Brewer.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home, 264 South Second Avenue, Middleport, Ohio 45760. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, where Clara will be laid to rest next to her beloved “Junior”. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home in Middleport. Pallbearers will be Brady Curry, Jared Douglas, Nathan Grubb, Brent Moore, Jamin Riley, and Jason Riley, Honorary pallbearers will be Dave Beauvais, Benji Manuel, Brayden Markins, John Sole, Kirk Turley, Terry Wolfe and Gerald Wright.

The family would like to thank Overbrook Rehabilitation Center’s staff and administration for the care that Clara received these many years. We know that her personality and wit provided many a bright spot in some gloomy days.

A registry is available at www.andersonmcdaniel.com