Mary L. Riley, age 102 of Kettering passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at her daughter’s home surrounded by her family. She was born in Nogales, Arizona on December 4, 1923, the daughter of Ramon & Herlinda (Montes) Lopez. She was a member of Ascension Church in Kettering. In her younger years she worked at a candy factory in California and then was a cook at Rolling Fields Elementary School in Kettering. Mary met her husband Tom while dancing in the early 1950’s.

She is survived by her children Ernest R. Riley, Cynthia S. (Wayne) Smith and Sharon D. Riley; grandchildren Derek (Brianna) Rogers, Bryan (Jess) Rogers, Kevin Riley, Rachel Riley, Billy (Angie) Riley, Tommy Riley, Kelli (Kris) Toops, Chad (Cari) Ballentine, Heather (Erik) Kogler and Jason (Melissa) Smith; great grandchildren Chelsea, David, Morgan, Lincoln, Kati, Lily, Carson, Brady, Branson, Noah T., Gavin, Liam, Callum, Talia, Rosie, Marlana, Matthew, Evan and Noah S.; several great-great grandchildren; sisters Lupita “Lorraine” Robertson and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 55 years Thomas J. Riley in 2005; brothers Frank, Johnny, Manual “Manny”, Raymond, Gonzales “Lefty” and Tommy Lopez; and sisters Carmilita “Lita” Kendall and Juanita “Nita” Hughes.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the ZERKLE FUNERAL HOME, 11900 N. Dixie Dr., Tipp City, Ohio. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Deacon Bob Gutendorf officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, Tipp City. Condolences may be sent to the family through this on line guestbook.