Dessie Romain (Smith) Riley

Dessie Romain Riley, 100, of Medina, Ohio, formerly of Beallsville, Ohio, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026 in the Life Care Center of Medina.  Dessie was born August 7, 1925 in Beallsville, a daughter of the late Cecil Boyd and Sarah Gladys (Mobley) Smith.

Over the years Dessie had held various jobs. In her late teens during WWII she had worked in a factory making airplane parts. She had also been employed as a waitress and as a pre-school teacher, however her main focus, her real love, was always first and foremost,  her family.  She and her husband, Ora, raised seven children in a two bedroom house with one bathroom.  Their home was always a favorite stop for out-of-town visitors who were welcomed by the delicious meals and hospitality that could be counted on while staying at the Riley home.

Dessie will be remembered as a lady of many talents and interests; she enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, quilting, knitting, and crocheting.  Playing cards, Bingo, going to the casino, and cheering on the Cleveland Indians were some of her favorite pastimes.

Dessie had been a member of the Beallsville First Christian Church.  Throughout her entire life, being a loyal friend who could be counted on to lend a helping hand, was one of her  priorities.  She dedicated many hours to visiting family and friends in nursing homes; if Dessie knew any family member or friend were in a nursing home, that person could count on a visit from her.  Even after moving from the Beallsville area she would take the time to make a  trip “back home,” to keep in touch with family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Dessie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ora; her daughter, Dixie Baran; two brothers, Bernard Smith and Bill Smith; two sisters, Vernetta “Net” Carpenter and Mary Ammons.

Left to cherish her memory are 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; also many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home - Harper Chapel, Beallsville, Wednesday, March 18 from 12 noon until the time of the funeral service at 2pm with Wayne Clark offering words of comfort.  Interment will follow in Beallsville Cemetery.  In keeping with Dessie’s giving spirit, in lieu of flowers and keepsakes, her family asks that memorial contributions be made to Beallsville First Christian Church, PO Box C, Beallsville, Ohio   43716.

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