Helen Elizabeth (Beckert) Riley

Helen Elizabeth Riley, age 96, passed away peacefully, on November 27th, 2024, accompanied by her two daughters. 

Helen was born March 15th, 1928 in Grandview, Ohio, to her parents Elisabeth Marquart and Robert Beckert. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dale Edward Riley (1928-2023). She is survived by her two daughters Patricia Barbour (Paul) and Christine Elekes (Gary), her six grandchildren, Matthew Barbour (Caitlin), Michael Barbour, Christopher Elekes, Maria Elekes, Daniel Elekes and Elisabeth Barbour, her great granddaughter, Nia Rose Barbour and her sweet cat, Mocha. 

Helen grew up in Grandview, Ohio and graduated from Grandview High School, and later graduated from Bliss Business College in Columbus, Ohio. She was an administrative assistant at American Standard, until the birth of her first born, Patricia. She managed her husband Dale’s sewage and drain cleaning business for his entire career. She coordinated the gymnastics program at Windermere elementary school with her very dear friend and she worked in the nursery at Sawmill Athletic Club for many years. She also typed heat sheets for swim meets hosted by the Upper Arlington Swim Club in the 1960s. 

Helen lived an exceedingly active lifestyle including line dancing, weight lifting, step and tap classes, paired with walking, bike riding, and swimming. She also thoroughly enjoyed spending time shopping, talking with friends and often expressing how proud she was of her daughters and grandchildren. 

Helen had a very active and meaningful life fueled by her strong Catholic faith and her fierce love of family and friends. She was a blessing to all who shared life with her.  We can rest assured knowing that she was welcomed with open arms by her husband, family and friends in heaven, where she will continue to watch over all those she loves still here on earth. 

A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday December 6, 2024 at St. Andrew Church Reed & McCoy Roads where friends may call 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Capital City Hospice or Holy Cross Family Ministries. 

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