Shirley A. Davis Riley

      Shirley A. Davis Riley, 89, was joyfully received in the awaiting arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on the eve of December 25, 2025.

     Her radiant smile and dark brown eyes touched many lives.  Shirley’s greatest joys and achievements are her close-knit family.  She had a knack for remembering every birthday, anniversary and other important dates in her children and grandchildren’s lives, never failing to send a card, making a phone call or sometimes she sent a text.  She wanted to make sure you knew how special you were to her, you were remembered.

     Shirley was born June 26, 1936 in Pickaway County to Lloyd and Irene Davis.  She was a true farm girl and proud of it!  As family tales go her tractor driving skills caught the eye of her future husband, David O. Riley, Jr.  They were united in marriage on May 29, 1954.  They made their home in Chillicothe.  It wasn’t long before four children were born to them on Clay Street.   

     Surviving are children and their spouses, Steve Riley of Circleville, Debbie (John) Parks, Rick (Chris) Riley and Gina (Dave) Chapman of Chillicothe; grandchildren, Ashley (Jordan) Cousins, Jeremy (Ashley) Riley, Sarah Adams, Lisa (Greg) Jones, Randy (Jen) Crago, Shawn Riley, Jessica Riley and companion Adam Uhrig, Eric Riley, Matthew Riley, David (Mar) Chapman, Dustin (Jenni) Chapman and Dylan Chapman and fiancé Madison Reed; and 23 great grandchildren.  Also surviving is her sister, Charlotte Schobeloch and brother, Don (Jean) Davis, sister-in-law, Ruth Black, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Her dear school friend Mona Payne. 

     Shirley was predeceased by brothers, Charles (Violet) Rozell, Robert (Carlene) Rozell, sister Lois Jean (James) Echard, brother-in-law Phil Schobeloch, son-in-law Robert G. Crago and great grandson Luke Riley.

     Shirley was a life time member of Calvary Lutheran Church.  In her younger years, she was a very active member, ladies’ circles, Vacation Bible Schools and singing in the choir.  Our mother was proud of her status as one of the “Church Basement Ladies”.  Whether it was serving a luncheon for a church fundraiser or serving a meal for the church bereavement committee, she was there.  Mother enjoyed laughter, Christmas decorating, card games, family camping, picnics, birthday celebrations and rearranging her furniture.  Most of all, she loved Jesus. 

     Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 2, 2026 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Tom Pairan officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. 

     You may sign her online register at warefh.com

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