Obituary of Dolores Marie Riley

Celebration of Life

Dolores Marie Riley

November 18, 1941 – June 3, 2022

Dolores Marie Riley was the first-born child to Violet Langdeau and Richard LaRoche on November 18, 1941, at home. She spent the early part of her childhood with her grandparents, on the Lower Brule Indian reservation, where she was raised in the way of Lakota Sioux traditions and beliefs. She valued those years very much, despite the hardships endured.

Her formal education began at the Stephan Indian School, at a time when the federal government was indoctrinating Indian children to forsake their native culture. Dolores never lost connection with her proud Indian heritage. She continued her studies at Black Hills State College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in Education, and then received her Master of Education Degree at Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. She finished her formal education at Utah State University where she earned an Administrative Endorsement/License. She retired as an Assistant Superintendent of the Salt Lake City School District.

In 1959 she married the late Terry Pexa, and over the next several years they welcomed four precious children into the world, and explored career opportunities in Pine Ridge, SD and Anaconda, MT. The marriage eventually ended, which ultimately resulted in her meeting the love of her life, Mike Riley, and they welcomed another beautiful child, Michael, into their family.

Dolores was a strong spirited mother who passed along many fine qualities to her children. Her leadership skills were constantly on display as she progressed through her career in public education. She was always willing to share her time and knowledge to help others. Her kind and positive spirit enriched many lives. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and aunt. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, shopping, going to the movies, and the sound of slot machines.

Dolores was called to eternal rest on June 3rd 2022, surrounded by her loving family.

She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Dolores is survived by her loving husband Mike Riley, her five children and their spouses: Tamara Pexa, Terry Pexa (Susie), Lanny Pexa (Sheri), Nicole Parenteau, and Michael Riley, her siblings: Sharon Brown, Renee Dietrich, Cheryll LaRoche, Desine Norris, Veronica Feeney, Eyvonne Rekow, Bettina Bergren, Bernard “Smiley” Glasford, Leon “Skip” Glasford, Vernon “Shorty” Rekow, Keith “Squeaky” Rekow, grandchildren: Zeb Hill, Isiah Hill, Walker Pexa, Keyah Pexa, and Corey Parenteau, and eleven great-grandchildren. Family who preceded her in passing: Armond “Butch” Glasford.

Donations can be sent to the National Kidney Foundation @ NFK Serving the Dakotas website.

 

Mother

From you I began, the start of all that I am.

With you I took my first steps,

to you I expressed my first desires.

Because of you I know right from wrong

and why they are so. You showed me how to

laugh and explained why we cry.

All of this with love unconditional.

And when it came time for me

to spread my wings, you let me go

with tears of happiness and fear,

but with words of love.

For this I will always be thankful,

for it is because of you

that I have become who I am,

and from you I began.

 

Sisters

A sister is a precious treasure,

her love and kindness know no measure.

She laughs your joys and weeps your tears,

the bond grows stronger through the years.

She knows your ups; she knows your downs.

She knows your smiles; she knows your frowns.

Your secret she holds just like a treasure,

she builds your confidence with pleasure.

No matter how low, she helps you rise,

no matter how sad, she makes you smile

No matter how deep, she shares your pain,

Remember it’s just a sister thing

 

Dear Dolores,

Though your smile is gone forever,

and your hand I cannot touch,

I still have many memories

of the one I love so much.

Your memory is my keepsake

with which I will never part.

God has you in his keeping.

I have you in my heart.

Sadly, missed but never forgotten

because a mother’s love lives deep in our souls.

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