Evelyn Marie Riley

Evelyn Riley passed away Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017, at the home of her son, where she spent the last two weeks of her remarkable life in the loving and devoted care of her daughters and daughter-in-law and steeped in the deep affection of her family and friends.

Born Evelyn Marie Groth on Dec. 3, 1928, she was raised in St. Louis, but lived in Cape Girardeau long enough to have it become her realistic and beloved home place.

Evelyn married James Walsh Riley at St. Pius V Catholic Church in St. Louis on Thanksgiving Day 1951. Together they raised three children: James Walsh (Michaele) Riley Jr. of Cape Girardeau, Bridget Ann (John) Gilbert of Webster Groves, Missouri, and Mary Beth (Tom) Booker of St. Charles, Missouri. She was the very proud grandmother of 10 grandchildren: Erin, Emma, Abby (Mary Beth), Kate, Ryan, Nick (Bridget), Luke, Anthony, Alyson and Hannah (Jim); and five great-grandchildren, James, Michael, Leo, Harrison and Drake.

In addition to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by her older brother, Lee Groth of Cape Girardeau.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband; mother and father, Isabelle and Lee Groth; sister, Dolores Groth Hall; and two brothers, Mel and Ralph Groth.

Evelyn was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Cape Girardeau for more than 50 years. She loved the Mass, the Eucharist, the Scriptures, the church, the Communion of Saints, the angels, the sacraments, the parishioners, the clergy, religious and Holy Father, the Blessed Mother -- but far above all -- she loved the Holy Trinity: God the Father, the Holy Spirit, and her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She also loved life. She prayed every day in gratitude for her life, her faith, her family, her friends and for being born in the United States of America.

A sports enthusiast and lifelong Cardinals fan, Evelyn was an accomplished cook, seamstress and card player. She cherished her bridge club relationships, with partners and friendships spanning several decades. As recently as mid-December, Evelyn was part of point-leading teams of at least two bridge clubs.

Over the past 20 years, Evelyn cultivated the art of knitting, and her original, unique and stylish Knits By Evelyn could be found as purses, scarves, sweaters, newborn caps and special outfits commissioned for well grand-parented grandchildren.

There are many who would assert she had perfected being a mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, always seeming to provide just the right amount of dialogue, laughter, advice, consoling, encouragement and, when needed, lemon meringue pie.

A glimpse of her unfailing character is found in the grace and dignity she maintained through her final days. When told she was terminally ill, she thanked the doctor for discovering the original tumor, thus helping her enjoy her last year of life. In the final phases of illness, she did not complain. Rather, she expressed empathy and compassion -- and offered prayer and sacrifice -- for persons who suffer through chemotherapy and severe illness.

Words cannot express the amount of pride her family feels, nor the esteem and affection in which she will be forever held.

Visitation will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau, followed by memorial comments and prayers.

Evelyn's funeral will follow with Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Vincent's, offered by the Rev. David Hulshof. Her final resting place will be with her husband, Jim, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis (private service).

Arrangements are being provided by Ford and Sons Funeral Home of Cape Girardeau.

The family requests memorials be made to Birthright, St. Vincent de Paul Grade School or the American Cancer Society's Hope Lodge, St. Louis.