Shirley B. (Bender) Riley

Shirley B. Riley, 85, of Berlin, passed away peacefully at her home on May 21, 2022. Born December 15, 1936 in Berlin, daughter of Maynard “Speedy” and Marie (Ferrell) Bender. Preceded in death by her parents, son David William Riley, sister Janice Bungard, brothers-in-law Robert Cawthern and Gerald Webb, and sisters-in-law Katy Webb and Esther McGann. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, William J. Riley; her children, John Martin (Brenda) Riley of Berlin and Leanne (Christopher) Heiple of Somerset; and daughter-in-law Kathy (Ron) Yoder; grandchildren Joshua (Erin) Riley; Marah (Tony) Yachere; and Jacob Heiple. Shirley is also survived by great grandchildren Bryson Yachere, Lydia Riley, Aleigha Yachere, Milo Riley, and Macie Yachere; sisters-in-law Josephine (Jo) Cawthern, Shirley Bowman, and Maxine Yommer; brother-in-law Butch Webb; aunt Janet Bender; nieces Deborah Douglass, Valerie (David) Wright, Lauren Bungard; nephew Ryan Bungard; and numerous great nieces and nephews, and cousins. Shirley was a proud 1954 graduate of Berlin Brothersvalley High School and eventually served as a school board director. She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church where over the years she served as a Sunday school teacher, usher, and greeter. Shirley was a 25-year employee of Naugle Feed Co. in Berlin. Together, Shirley and Bill volunteered at Meals on Wheels. Shirley was a member of the Berlin Historical Society.  The clubs and organizations Bill and Shirley were active in afforded them the opportunity to make many friends, and Shirley enjoyed this time with their friends. Most of all Shirley was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother and was so loved by her entire family. Spending time with family and friends was most important to Shirley, who her grandchildren lovingly referred to as Gram. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren more than anything and still loved babysitting them. The best times for Shirley were those opportunities to have her entire family together.  Whether it was holidays, a sporting event, or just a Sunday at the pool watching the great grandkids swim, Shirley was at her happiest surrounded by her family. Shirley was an avid sports fan, she especially loved watching her grandkids and great grandkids participate in their sports and activities. She would sit in the rain, snow, or heat to see them score one touchdown, stop a goal, strike a batter out, or make a three pointer.  She was so proud of each of them no matter win or lose.   She was a proud supporter of all Berlin Athletics and attended as many events as possible where she cheered on all the Mountaineers. Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Deaner Funeral Home, Berlin, where a service will be held at 11 A.M. Wednesday. Pastor Robert Keplinger officiating. Inurnment Berlin I.O.O.F. Cemetery at the family’s convenience. Memorial contributions may be sent to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 525 Main St., Berlin, PA 15530 or the Berlin Basketball Boosters c/o Mandy Lauer, 190 Stonecrest Dr., Berlin, PA 15530. DeanerFuneralsAndCremations.com.