It is with profound sadness and a deep sense of loss that we announce the peaceful passing of Linda Joyce Riley on November 11, 2025. Born in Hereford, Texas, on March 19, 1951, Linda was a vibrant soul whose spirit touched everyone she encountered. “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years,” Abraham Lincoln once said. Linda embodied this philosophy, filling her years with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her family.

Linda, a steadfast pillar of her family, devoted her life to caring for her parents, Earl and Stella Riley, who have preceded her in death. She was a hardworking woman who contributed significantly to the family farm, demonstrating a level of commitment and resilience that was greatly admired. Her love extended beyond her family and lifelong friends to the animals she cared for and the landscapes she traversed on her trail rides. As an ardent horseback rider, Linda found solace and joy in connecting with nature. Her other hobbies included bowling, playing poker with her family and friends, and activities that further showcased her competitive spirit and zest for life.

Linda is survived by her brother Gene Riley, nieces Michelle Montoya, Erin Weisner, Pamela Guzman, Casey Prather, Penny Phillips, and Tobi Castillo, nephews Scott Riley, Jody Watts, and Wayne Thatcher, Nicole Riley, Rosalyn Riley, Savanna Riley sister-in-law Cathey Riley and brother-in-law Eldon Thatcher. And many great and great nieces and nephews. She was loved by great friends Glenda Norton, Ollie Moore, Maralene Beavers Davis. She has joined her siblings RB Riley, Larry Riley, Laverne Thatcher, and Lottie Riley, Nieces Angie Riley, Sheila Bartow, and great niece Christy Thatcher in the next life. Linda’s life was a testament to her love for her family and friends. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved and knew her. As Helen Keller said, “What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”

We invite everyone who knew Linda to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. Each shared memory or photo is a testament to her vibrant spirit and the impact she had on those around her. It is in this sharing that we keep Linda’s spirit alive and celebrate the remarkable woman she was.