Viola M. “Vi” Riley, age 89 of rural Darlington passed away Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 at Mineral Point Care Center in Mineral Point. She was born Feb.17, 1926 in Shiocton, Wis., the daughter of Henry and Amanda (Beyer) Neuman. Vi graduated from Shiocton High School in 1944. She was united in marriage to Clifton L. Riley on July 26, 1954 in Brownsville, Tenn. Vi grew up in the Fox River Valley. She was a dance instructor for Arthur Murray Studios in Appleton for a number of years. In 1958, following their marriage Vi and Clifton moved to the Calamine area to farm. In 1975 they built, owned, and operated Ranch House Lanes north of Darlington. Vi and her husband also owned and operated Ranch House Realty in Darlington for many years.
Vi is survived by one son: Jefton (Jo Ann) Riley of Darlington, one daughter: Vicky (Albert Gandy) Hackney of Waupaca; three grandsons: Jason (Kerry) Riley, Timothy (Jiahui Cheng) Riley, and Bryan Riley; and one great-grandson: Felix Riley. She was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Amanda; husband Clifton in 1993; and one brother: Melvin Neuman in 1937.
Vi received Jesus Christ as her savior at age 77. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed fishing and duck hunting. Vi will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her children, grandchildren, and several of her friends in Calamine.
A visitation was held Monday, Feb. 1, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) where a memorial service was held at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Nick J. McElrath of First Baptist Church in Darlington officiating. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Vi’s name.