We find solace in knowing that Donna Jean Riley, affectionately called “Meemaw” by many loved ones, has entered the gates of Heaven and is now at peace. Donna was born on July 28, 1938, to the late Ralph L. and Eltina Fanus Chronister. She was a devoted wife to her late husband, Harold “Tom” Riley and a loving mother to her boys.
She worked for several years at a fruit packing company in the Gardeners area before finding employment at Kuhn Transportation Company. After retiring, she enjoyed working at a nursing home in York Springs and cleaning homes.
Donna was a faithful member of the Idaville United Brethren Church, always lending a hand with the bi-annual rummage sale, preparing food for events, and attending the Nifty Fifty get-togethers. She forged many enduring friendships through her church involvement.
Throughout life, Donna enjoyed baking for holidays and loved having family around her table. Her gardens were a source of joy as she cared for them and watched the flowers bloom. She cherished her time with friends, especially when they explored new places together. Donna was a giver, always giving her time to help others. She dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she was always eager to have them visit.
She is survived by a sister, Linda Heikes of Dillsburg, a son, Gregory A. Riley and wife Pamela of Gardners; 4 grandchildren, Jessica Keefer of Shippensburg, Megan Sulek of Ambler, Bobbi Felts of Fairfield, Marissa Riley of Gardners, plus 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Riley, and her son, Steven Riley.
Professional services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home, Inc., 111 S. Main Street, Bendersville. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Idaville United Brethren Church, 3590 Carlisle Rd., Gardners, PA 17324, with Pastor Marc Webb officiating. There will be a viewing from 9 to 10 am at the church prior to service beginning. Interment will be private in Sunnyside Cemetery, York Springs. Dugan Funeral Home, Bendersville, will handle the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Idaville United Brethren Church earmarked for their Christian Education Department, 3590 Carlisle Rd., Gardners, PA 17324. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit DuganFH.com.