Mary Ruth Riley, 99, of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, passed away at 2:32 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Marshall Medical Center.
She was born in Ocoonita, Virginia, on Tuesday, November 2, 1926, to James Olen and Maude (Lambert) Burgan. On February 27, 1964, she married William P. Riley, who preceded her in death.
Mary was a member of Missionary Baptist Church in Ben Hur VA. Mary devoted her life to caring for her family, working as a homemaker and finding her greatest joy in creating a warm, loving home. Formerly of Marion, Indiana, she later moved to Tennessee to be closer to her daughter, Lisa. She loved gardening, spending time with her grandchildren, and sharing treasured stories about her family’s history.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Pogue of Chapel Hill, TN; her sister, Rita Greene of Seaford, VA; her brother, Homer Burgan of Jonesville, VA; and her grandchildren Kyle Pogue, Dylan Pogue, and Alyson Pogue.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William P. Riley; her son, James William Riley; her sister, Sarah Burgan; and seven brothers: Billy Ray Burgan, James Burl Burgan, Frank Burgan, Jack Burgan, Bobbie Bruce Burgan, Eugene Burgan, and Harold Burgan.
A graveside service to celebrate Mary’s life will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 with Mark Pogue officiating, at Grant Memorial Park, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, IN 46953.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com
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