Dixie Riley

Dixie G. Riley, 87, of Chappell passed away Tuesday, November 21, 2023 in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Per her wishes, no formal services are being planned at this time, however a celebration of Dixie's life will be held in the spring.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Chappell is serving the Riley family.

Family and friends can leave condolences at www.bondegardfunerals.com.

Dixie Anna Guenin was born on April 27, 1936, to Walter H. and Hazel M. (Hedlund) Guenin. She was the youngest of 3, with older siblings Jacque and Burt. Dixie spent her childhood on the family farm in Garden County, Nebraska. She was baptized and confirmed at Berea Lutheran Church. 

She attended grade school in a one room school house at District 5 in Garden County and then graduated from Deuel County High School with the class of 1953. Following high school, Dixie attended Colorado Women’s College where she received her Associate of Arts Degree on May 25, 1955. 

After completing school, she returned home where she taught school at District #39 in Deuel County, when she happened to meet the love of her life, Willis Blaine Riley of Haxtun, Co. They were united in marriage on January 14, 1956, at The Methodist Church in Chappell.  

Following “I do,” Dixie became a dedicated business partner with Willis as they owned and operated Riley Truck Lines. Dixie was the dispatcher, keeping Willis and the trucks on the road.  

Along with the trucks, she was a full-time mother to 5: Patrick Blaine, Susan Marie, John Walter, Allison Ann and Daniel Andrew. She would pack the kids into the station wagon and haul them all over to activities.  

She was a lifelong resident of the Chappell area and was very active in the community. Dixie was an active member at the United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for 10 years and was also a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. If there was ever a blizzard, Dixie was always one of the first responders with the Red Cross.  

Dixie worked as the librarian at Chappell Memorial Library and Art Gallery for 24 years, from February 1988 to April 2012. Dixie loved her job as the local librarian. She enjoyed all the activities and events, and all the cherished friendships. 

For the past 15 years, Dixie has shared her life with her best friend and loyal companion, Zoey. The highlight of her day was taking Zoey on a walk around Lake Chappell. Dixie loved doing crosswords, water coloring, and reading books. She also loved to gather with the ladies for an afternoon of Bridge. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, supporting them in their various activities but most of all bringing them along for an afternoon at the library.  

All who knew Dixie felt the spark of life she brought. She was tiny yet had so much personality. No matter where you saw her, she had a smile outlined in vibrant pink lipstick. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will remain a warm memory in all our hearts.  

She is survived by her children: Susan Riley of Chappell, John and wife Sharon Riley of Sidney, Allison and husband Bob Cenkner of Lodgepole, Daniel and wife Christy Riley of Chappell; 5 grandchildren: Hannah Riley, Lane and wife Katelin Riley, Wyatt Riley, Vanessa and husband Matthew Wood, and Cooper Riley. 2 great grandchildren: Clayton John and Miles Guenin Riley. Niece, Nina and husband Kevin Custis and nephew Matthew Guenin. 

She was proceeded in death by husband of 50 years, Willis, son Patrick and wife Jan Riley, parents Walter and Hazel, sister, Jacque Anderson, brother Burt and sister-in-law Virginia Guenin.