JoAnn Riley

Our beautiful mom passed away December 29, 2020. Henry Lee and Alice LaVenia Collings Anderson welcomed their only daughter to this world January 15, 1934. Growing up in Garfield, she loved the swimming pool, Saltair, and cake baking on Sundays with her dad. Mom met our dad, Duane Riley at a dance recital. The first time he saw her, he knew she was the prettiest gal around.  They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple October 5, 1950. One wish she had was that their anniversary wasn’t during hunting season. They made their home in Magna where she loved her neighborhood, church callings, and extended family activities.

Mom and Dad made a deliberate decision to give their all to their family. They raised four children, welcomed their sons and daughters in law, 20 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. All of them spent quality time with her. They got to know her whit and ability to debate any topic. Each knew, when they were concerned, she had deep pockets. Time at the cabin brought card games, dominos, fireside stories and songs, yard games, howling at the moon, sleeping with the windows open and listening to the water run down the creek. In the mornings she was always cheery and would say “Good morning” like she meant it (because she did). Her baking was top notch. Strawberry crepes were a favorite. Old time movies were a must and always had a lesson of love she would share. Mom made the atmosphere in any room inviting and feel like home. There will be memories of colorful table cloths and fun shower curtains with towels to match. Watching her sway to her favorite tunes turned up as loud as possible.  Her flower barrels at the cabin were gorgeous and she gave them great care.  Thank you Mom and Dad for working so hard hand in hand to create such a beautiful place.

She was endowed with the ability to shop and would shop till everyone else dropped. Lunch dates were her everyday hope and all anyone had to do was ask. She enjoyed many years of monthly lunch outings with the girls, and her regular hair and nail appointments.

Mom started working for the Magna Times. She then worked at the Printing Center for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints until her retirement. The friendships she gained there are forever. She cherished the yearly dinner for the Distinguished Service Club.

There were many, many years of season tickets to BYU football. Back in the day when you could take your own food into the stadium, her homemade sandwiches were the best. No one could make them like she did. Sitting in the stands she would tune her large headset radio into Paul James and keep the rest of the group informed. Her cheers were often on a several second delay because it wasn’t happening unless Paul announced it. She had so much fun at those games.

Traveling brought her a lot of joy. Ready to go anywhere, anytime. Favorites were Hawaii, cruising, Japan and Jackson Hole.

She and Dad took great care of her mom. Widowed at an early age they included her in every aspect of life. They knew her influence would be great on their own children and posterity. She loved her mom and proved it.

Mom had her fair share of adversity and heartache. We marveled at her choice to face it all and keep going. Many treasure the times listening to her share her wealth of life experience, especially as it related to the truths of the gospel. Her believing spirit would light up when she could share with her family or her ward. The gift of seeing miracles was one she had and didn’t ever take for granted. Her family knew forgiveness was etched in her heart and she freely gave it. Our mom was just a pretty lady. She saw the glass half full, always found the silver lining, could laugh out loud and take the tease. Dad will have to finish his own stories for a while. All who had the blessing of being with her will be forever grateful for her love, care and positivity she so freely gave.

Survived by her husband of 70 years Duane; children Debbie (Randy) Martin, Shane (Lynda), Bret (Betty Jo), Tami (Gailyn) Lund; brother Delvon Anderson; sisters in law Jeanne Hubbard and Colleen Anderson.  Preceded in death by her parents; brothers Kay, Robert and Roger.

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