Riley, Alice (Mrs. Pitt A.) 1855-1935

RILEY, BIGELOW

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:32

Source: Alton Democrat (6-7-1935)

Born: April 17, 1855
Died: May 31, 1935

Mrs. Alice Riley, a pioneer of this city and vicinity, passed away Friday, May 31, 1935, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Alice Dennie of Omaha, Nebraska.

Alice Minerva Bigelow was born in Chickasaw County, Iowa, April 17, 1855, as a daughter to Justus and Wealthy Bigelow. She spent her girlhood in Chickasaw County where she was united in marriage to Pitt A. Riley on October 9, 1874. The family of Mr. and Mrs. P.A. Riley and four children located on a farm southeast of Rock Valley in the spring of 1881. The family moved to Rock Valley in 1900 where she made her home most of the time until 1927. She later made her home at Harrisburg, South Dakota and for the past two years made her home with her children at Des Moines, Omaha and other places. Her husband died in December 1925.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Sunday afternoon with Mr. Davis of Omaha, Nebraska, a reader of the Christian Science Church in charge. Vander Ploeg’s Funeral Service was in charge of burial at Valley View Cemetery.

Fifteen children were born to the union, five of whom preceded their mother in death. The ten surviving children are: Mason Riley, Highmore, South Dakota; G. Arn Riley, Canton, South Dakota; Mrs. Ed Feuerhelm, Trent, South Dakota; Morr Riley, Pierson, Michigan; Will Riley, Omaha, Nebraska; Mrs. Alice Dennis, Omaha, Nebraska; Cora, Mrs. Roy L. Howell, Gladbrook, Iowa; Carrie, Mrs. R.B. Buckley, Des Moines, Iowa; Gladys, Mrs. Ernest Stone, Denver, Colorado; and Blanche, Mrs. Ernest Craig, Seattle, Washington; grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.