February 20, 1925 - December 29, 2013

Mary Lou Riley, age 88, peacefully passed away on December 29, 2013 at Carpenter House Hospice Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born to Rufus Madison and Mattie Lou Champion, she was a long-time resident of Montgomery and had moved to Baton Rouge in 2006. Mary Lou was a wife, mother, and loving friend to many. She served as Executive Director for the Montgomery Area United Way for over 30 years.

Mary Lou is survived by two daughters Gena Hand (Steve Hand) and Peggy Fouts (Rick Fouts); four grandchildren Valerie Hand Odegard (Jared), Stuart Hand (Annie), Elliott Fouts, and Hannah Fouts; and two great grandsons Owen and Samuel Odegard. Other surviving family members include sisters-in-law Ruby Champion and Cynthia Stone; nephews George Champion, Sidney Champion, Robert Champion, Carl Champion; and nieces Patricia Shinn, Frances (Fe') Scott, Phyllis Ferguson, Elise Todd, Georgene (Gene) Scott, Deborah Pless, Janet (Jan) Seay, Donna Champion, and Lisa Legear.

She was preceded in death by both her parents; husband of 48 years William (Bill) Welman Riley; brothers George Champion and Sidney Champion; sisters-in-law Peggy Lackey, Melba Vick, Edna Champion; and nephews Edmond Vick, Guinn Vick and Stan Champion.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014. Visitation will be at 10:30 am at Leak Memory and graveside services at Greenwood Cemetery at 11:30 am. Pallbearers will be grandsons Stuart Hand and Elliott Fouts; nephews George Champion, Sidney Champion, Robert Champion; and niece's husband Dale Todd.

Published in the Montgomery Advertiser from Jan. 2 to Jan. 3, 2014