Obituary of Ellen Elaine Riley

Ellen Elaine Riley, 72, of Dowagiac, passed away on July 11, 2021, at her home with her beloved family surrounding her. In Zanesville, Ohio, Eugene and Wilma (Nichols) Fuller welcomed their baby girl into this world on March 14, 1949. Ellen went on to graduate from Philo High School in 1967 and then married the love of her life, Robert Riley on June 17, 1967 in Duncan Falls, Ohio whom she most recently celebrated fifty-four years of marriage. She enjoyed a successful career in banking retiring as a branch manager after thirty-three years of service, and many from the Benton Harbor branch of Honor Credit Union remember Ellen’s kindness, smile, and her striking, cerulean blue eyes. Though Ellen enjoyed her career, nothing took priority over her family, whom were paramount in her life; relishing time spent with them during the holidays or splayed out on the sand at Kugler’s Beach. She was also an avid reader and looked forward to time she would spend outdoors in her garden tending to her flowers. She is preceded in passing by her father Eugene Fuller. Ellen is survived by her husband, Robert Riley of Dowagiac, her children, Tricia (Michael) Lowery of Dowagiac and Rodney Riley of Vandalia. She is also survived by her mother Wilma Fuller of Dowagiac and her sister Cathy Fuller (George Lozos) of Delaware. Grandma Ellen will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Tori (Jeremy) Bounds of Dowagiac, Kara Gaideski (Cody Colestock) of Dowagiac and Rylie Gaideski of Dowagiac; her great-grandchildren, Parker Bounds, Avery Bounds, Emery Colestock, Lincoln Colestock, Cora Colestock, and Baby Bounds who is expected to arrive in December. A time of visitation will take place at Brown Funeral Home, Friday, July 16, 2021 from noon until 1:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 1 p.m. She will be laid to rest at Franklin Cemetery. Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Ellen have been asked to consider, Caring Circle Hospice, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Condolences, photos, and memories can be left for Ellen’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.