Gayle Judith Riley

Gayle Judith Riley, 83, passed away on February 7, 2026, in DeMotte, Indiana, with her family by her side. She was born on December 29, 1942, in Gary, Indiana, to Gaylord and Marie Beard. She graduated from Merrillville High School in 1961. Gayle worked clerical and retail jobs after graduating, but she felt called to something more. She enlisted in the United States Navy in March 1962 and was stationed in San Francisco, California. Gayle was a proud United States Navy veteran and, during her service, was recognized by her commanding officer for performing her duties in an excellent manner, well above others with comparable length of service. Gayle married Bob Riley, also a United States Navy veteran, on June 7, 1963, in Oakland, California. After completing their service and receiving honorable discharges from the Navy, they moved to Gary, Indiana, to raise their family. Ten years later, they relocated to Kentland, Indiana, to provide their three young daughters with a quiet, small-town rural upbringing. Before entering the workforce, Gayle spent 13 cherished years as a full-time wife and mother, faithfully tending to her home and raising her daughters. Those years reflected her deep devotion to family and the steady love that defined her life. When she later entered the workforce, she brought that same dedication to a 35-year career, where she was known for her reliability, strong work ethic, and willingness to go the extra mile—always arriving early and working overtime when needed. Gayle was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend. She was devout in her faith and loved Jesus deeply. By her example, she instilled in her three daughters love, strength, and resilience. Gayle was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, cheering them on every game, inviting her grandchildren to their first Cubs game, and celebrating the Cubs’ World Series win in 2016. She also found great joy in knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, nature, puzzles, and, most importantly, spending time with her family and her beloved dog, Katie, of 15 years. Surviving are her daughters, Bonnie Riley of Carmel, Indiana; Pam Chambers of Hebron, Indiana; and Debbie Riley of Benton, Kentucky; five grandchildren, whom she loved dearly: Amy Gabriel (Windzer) of Tampa, Florida; Ryan Murphy of Goodland, Indiana; Brandon Chambers (Gina) of Dyer, Indiana; Matthew Chambers of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Clifton Coffenberry (Mikayla) of Murray, Kentucky; six great-grandchildren: Damian, Mya, Keeghan, Ezra, William, and Sofia; three nieces: Jennifer, Stephanie, and Andrea; and her dear cousin, Linda. Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Marie Beard; her sister, Susan Sposito; her former husband and the father of their three daughters, Robert (Bob) Riley. Gayle lived faithfully and worked diligently, and her love endures in the family she nurtured and the lives she touched. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered. A private family graveside service will be held later at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, Indiana. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Gayle Judith Riley

December 29, 1942 - February 7, 2026