Dessie Riley

Dessie Riley, 100, of Medina, formerly of Beallsville, passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on August 7, 1925, in Beallsville, she was the daughter of the late Cecil Boyd and Sarah Gladys Mobley Smith.

During her late teens in World War II, Dessie worked in a factory making airplane parts. She later worked as a waitress and a pre-school teacher, yet her greatest devotion was always to her family. She and her husband, Ora, raised seven children in a modest two-bedroom home with one bathroom. Their house was a cherished gathering place for out-of-town visitors, known for its warm hospitality and the delicious meals that were always shared there.

Dessie was a woman of many talents and quiet joys. She loved gardening, canning, cooking, quilting, knitting, and crocheting. She also found delight in playing cards, Bingo, visiting the casino, and cheering for the Cleveland Indians. A longtime member of the Beallsville First Christian Church, she remained a loyal and dependable friend throughout her life, always ready to lend a helping hand. She spent many hours visiting family and friends in nursing homes and continued making trips back home to stay connected with loved ones even after she moved away.

In addition to her parents and husband, Ora, Dessie was preceded in death by her daughter, Dixie Baran; two brothers, Bernard Smith and Bill Smith; and two sisters, Vernetta “Net” Carpenter and Mary Ammons. She is survived by her six children, Bonnie White, Patsy (Russell) Chesbro, Jerry (Phoebe) Riley, Bobbie (Frank) Chesbro, Thomas (Joanne) Riley, and Rodger (Nellie) Riley; son-in-law, Greg Baran; 25 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.