JUNE RILEY June 4, 1921 - March 4, 2025

      When we leave this Earth, the love that we have given and the love we have received – remains behind to light the lives of those we love!

      Our sweet Granny June Riley went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 4, 2025, at Axiom Healthcare in Flora where they cared deeply for her.  There are just no words to describe how very loved she was and how she will be missed. She left an imprint on our hearts!  We have beautiful life-long memories that we share.

      June, who was 103 years old, took pride in knowing she was one of the oldest residents in Clay County.  June was born on June 4, 1921, in Benton, Illinois and was the only child of Floyd and Beulah (Fletcher) Bushong.  June was blessed to have shared her life with three husbands.  She married Gene Stringer on August 20, 1938.  He died on August 12, 1970.  On January 1, 1977, she married Marshall Moss who passed away on May 3, 1985.  On September 6, 1993, she married Bill Riley who went to be with the Lord on October 24, 2017.

      After Bill’s death, June moved to Flora to be close to her son, Jerry and family.  She was a resident at Heritage Woods.  June loved her new friends that she made there!  She was a part of the Greatest Generation and the Great Depression.  During her 103 years, she saw many changes in her life.  She especially talked about the space challenges, the fashions, technology, like television from radios to computers, and especially the phones of today that could take pictures and record…Her favorite memory was being able to spend Thanksgiving with her entire family.

      Mrs. Riley retired from the Department of Public Aid Office in Benton.  She was a devoted member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Dix, Illinois.  As a child, she attended the West City Baptist Church where she was baptized.  June was a devoted Christian, and enjoyed attending services at the Methodist Church with her family in Flora when she was able.  She loved her Lord and shared her faith.  She embraced life to the fullest.

      June Riley was a spunky lady, always speaking her mind, she was as “sharp as a tack” and humorous to her last days.  She loved to ballroom dance, to bake and cook; she made stained glass and ceramic pieces to share with others.  June enjoyed gardening and her flowers.  As an animal lover, she spent several years raising litters of German dachshunds.

      Granny June adored her grandchildren, they were the light of her life, and she loved playing games with them and especially loved beating them in checkers.  (They often thought she was cheating!!)

      June is survived by her son, Jerry Stringer (Nancy) of Flora, and a daughter, Juva Wynn of Benton.  Grandchildren Matthew Wynn (Trudee) of Benton, Carrie (Jim) Jennings of Flora and Stephen (Amy ) Stringer of Greensburg, Indiana.  Great Grandchildren Bailey (Adam ) Johnston of Benton, Gehrig (Colby) Wynn, of Evansville, MacKenzie Jennings, of St. Louis, Kasey (Drew) Hout, Flora, and Kathryn Jennings, Flora.  Brett Stringer and Bryce Stringer of Greensburg.  Three great, great grandchildren, Sterling and Kai Johnston of Benton and Jane Hout, of Flora.

      Preceding her in death were her parents, her son-in-law Mack Wynn, and a grandson, Mark Wynn.

      Mrs. Riley has donated her body as an Anatomical Gift to the SIU School of Medicine to further the advancement of medical science and research to aid in the education of medical procedures and practices.  She will be a gift to science as they research and find out what made her life continue to be strong and healthy for 103 years, as well as her mind still knowing so many wonderful memories.  She was quite a special lady.

      There will be a Celebration of Life graveside ceremony at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois at a later date.

      Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora are in charge of arrangements.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com