Shirley Y. Riley

Passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, after a brief illness at Oaklawn Hospital in Marshall. Shirley was born on May 9, 1934, in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence H. and Josephine L. (Clark) Baak. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1952 and was united in marriage at St. Paul Lutheran Church in 1954 to Carl Donald Riley.

Shirley worked for Michigan National Bank from 1952 to 1959. She worked in several positions at the Kellogg Company, including Quality Control and Plant Service, until her retirement in 1991 after 30 years. She was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, the Kellogg 25 Year Club, and the Polish National Alliance. She was an avid bowler in her younger days. She served as an officer with the Local #3 American Federation of Grain Millers Retirees Union and became well known as their point of contact for indemnity insurance assistance.

Shirley is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Don, her sister Rhodora Belt of Traverse City, and her brother William (Elaine) Baak, of Battle Creek. She is also survived by her four sons Jeffery Riley, of Sherwood, MI; James (Darlane) Riley, of Battle Creek; Jay Riley, of Battle Creek; and John Riley, of Lansing. She has four grandchildren, Joshua Riley and Zachry Riley, of Georgia; Cody Riley and Allyson (Riley) Pewoski, of Battle Creek; and one great grandson, Thomas Pewoski.

Shirley has several surviving nieces and nephews, including Sharon (Reichert) Stover, Robin (Reichert) McGrath, Sara (Reichert) Marceau, Troy Baak and Christopher Baak.

Shirley loved traveling, camping with family and friends, and cooking and eating delicious foods. She was especially fond of oysters! She was a kind and compassionate woman who was passionate about helping others. She supported her children and grandchildren in any way she could. She enjoyed watching sports, especially tennis and basketball. She enjoyed meeting each month for lunch with a group of retired Kellogg friends. She had many dear friends who were important to her, and she treated them as if they were family.

The family wishes to extend their eternal gratitude to the third-floor staff of Oaklawn Hospital for the amazing kindness and compassion they showed in caring for Shirley, while ensuring her comfort in her final days.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will hold a memorial service at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Battle Creek on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Memorials may be given to St. Mark Lutheran Church or a charity of one’s choice. www.henryfuneralhome.org