Mary Ellen Riley, 78, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away on September 21, 2026, at Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia. She was born on July 13, 1948, in Boonville, Missouri, the daughter of John C. Sommers and Iva Lorine Copas, who preceded her in death.

On July 27, 1962, in Miami, OK, she was united in marriage to John Earl Riley, who preceded her in death on May 28, 2019.

Mary dedicated 20 years of her career to Rival Manufacturing in Sedalia before opening her home to babysit children, sharing her warmth and kindness with many families. She later worked at LeMaire's Seafood. Of all her roles, being a grandmother was her greatest joy and proudest title. Mary was an avid fan of westerns - especially "Bonanza" and "Gunsmoke" - and enjoyed country music on CMT and KDRO, always filling her home with the songs she loved. Even in the nursing home, Mary selflessly cared for others, always putting the comfort and needs of fellow residents before her own. She found delight in home improvement shows, The Golden Girls, golf, and Dr. Pimple Popper. A passionate collector, she filled her home with owls, angels, and frogs - her treasures. Playfully, some said she preferred her grandkids to her own children. Known affectionately as "Aunt Mary" and "GiGi" to her grandchildren, she was cherished for her humor and love. Her favorite foods were hamburgers and turkey necks, and she was a joyful shopaholic with a special fondness for jewelry.

Mary is survived by four children, Terssia Forsee (Joe), Brenda McAvoy (John Silvestrini), Tim Riley (Vicky), and Barbara Gulseth; eleven grandkids, Andrea Hurrell (Bradford Sr.), Jenniffer Forsee (Kristyn), Ashlie Robinson (Jason), Derek Forsee (Alissa), Jimmie McAvoy III, Lindsay Riley, Megan Crabb, Perry Crabb, Josh Riley (Mackenzie), Justen McAvoy, and Brendan Gulseth; 16 great-grandkids, with one on the way, and one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, Mary is preceded in death by her siblings, Billie, Wendal, Harold, Arnold, Opal, Ruby, and Betty.

The funeral service will be on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, MO, with Pastor Steve Graff officiating.

The visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the chapel.

The burial will follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Derek Forsee, Josh Riley, Justen McAvoy, Jimmie McAvoy, Patrick Todd, and Patrick Mallen.

Honorary bearers will be Aiden Robinson, Brendan Gulseth, Perry Crabb, Tristen Rice, Romeo Cancilla, and Bradford Hurrell Jr.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Human Services, in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.

Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.