Kathryn G Riley
January 26, 2019
KATHRYN GORDON RILEY, June 18, 1951-January 26, 2019.
On January 26, while camping on a horseback riding trip, Kathryn
died unexpectedly in her sleep. Beloved wife, grandmother, sister,
aunt, friend, talented artist and musician, avid horseback rider, animal
lover, community educator and, most recently with her husband, Art,
blueberry farmer in Earleton, Kathryn will be mourned and deeply
missed by her family and her many friends.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Kathryn was raised in Crossville, Tennessee,
a small mountain town where she made many life-long friends and
where she discovered so many of her interests, talents, and skills.
Kathryn graduated from high school in Chattanooga and from Florida
Presbyterian College in St. Petersburg. Throughout her career and
personal life in Gainesville and Earleton, and in Art’s and her second
home in the mountains of North Carolina, Kathryn’s life was a work of
art in and of itself. Her creativity, her spirit and her kindness permeated
everything she did and served as an inspiration for her family, her
neighbors, and her ever- widening circle of friends. Kathryn had a
special place in her heart for everyone and everyone had a special place
in their heart for her. That same love and connection carried over to
her love of animals, particularly with the dogs and horses in her life,
many of whom her friends and family could easily list by name. A
favorite family memory of Kathryn is how, as a small child, she literally
shimmied up her dear horse, Babe’s, front leg to get herself up to the
saddle.
Later in her life, Kathryn showed strength and determination in
overcoming breast cancer, a struggle and success she shared with many
other cancer victims, giving them inspiration and hope in their own
lives. Whether outdoors, riding, hiking, boating, and camping, or
indoors, creating art, playing her flute, or simply listening and talking
with her friends, Kathryn shared the beauty in her life, and opened
their eyes to the beauty in their own lives.
Kathryn’s family and friends will always remember her sweet
smile and will hold her dear in their hearts. Kathryn is survived by her
husband, Dr. Arthur Riley, three older siblings, Ann Young, Peggy
(Michael) Corley, Gordon (Kay)Young, , Art’s sons, Brent (Valerie) Riley
and Eric (Kim) Riley, Art’s grandchildren, Gage, Jocelyn, and Sawyer,
and Kathryn’s nephews and nieces, Frank, Lilly, Faye, and Brad.
Donations, in Kathryn’s name, may be made name to:
Humane Society of North Central Florida
https://www.humanesocietyncfl.org
Alachua Conservation Trust
https://www.alachuaconservationtrust.org
Ronald McDonald House: North Central Florida
https://www.rmhcncf.org
Hurricane Michael Horse Relief
https://tuneupsequine.com
View current weather.
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
So saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Kathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Bob and Jenny(Young) Ticknor
I really loved Katherine. We rode together in the early years with Misty Morning Hounds. I will miss her so much. Art, I am so sorry . You were the true love of her life !
We are so sad to hear of Kathryn’s passing. We’ll miss seeing her around the neighborhood and especially in back with the horses. May her memory be a blessing. Jeff and Naomi
Kat was one of the sweetest0, gentlest and kindest people we have ever known. She brought sunshine everywhere she went. We are so very sorry for your loss, Art.
We are so shocked and saddened to learn of Kathryn’s passing. We have so many fond memories of our time together in Earleton. Once we traded a horse for some of her hand-loomed rugs! The funny part of the story is that she took the wrong horse home…and we had to switch later! She was a lovely person, warm, direct, and so talented.
Condolences to the Family and Friends of beautiful Kathryn. She always had a special connection each time we met as artists and friends. She will be dearly missed.
So sorry for your loss
What to say about this unexpected loss, so shocking after our paths crossed ever so briefly at Blueberry Bay less than a month ago after not seeong each other for perhaps ten or even twenty years. I will remember Kathryn as a remarkably talented person but more so the kindness in her face & in everything she did. Her sweet spirit will linger with us all.
A great loss to many ….What a great human & a void in so many hearts…..
Art and family, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Kathryn…. Prayers for peace and healing…. Roy and Robyn Adkins
I keep expecting to see her and her dogs driving by in the golf cart. Such a tragic loss. I made a donation to the humane society because of her, but it didn’t give me the opportunity to say it was in her name… Thank you for sharing her with all of us. Tammy Euliano
We are so sorry for your loss. Kathryn was always very special to us when we visited the clinic and we enjoyed our conversations and time together. May God touch you in this hour. Very respectfully, Butch and Mary Redding
Lots of good Gainesville memories!
Kathy and her family were an important part of my years growing up in Chattanooga. I remember visiting her horse with her, playing with her little black and white dog and laughing as we pretended to turn on the streetlights on Berkeley Circle as dusk approached. She was kind, unpretentious and a friend. I am so very sorry that we all have lost her, and send love to her family.
Such a travesty, gone too soon, there was so much more to live for. I am so sorry this happened and I’m sending out vibrations of peace, love, and healing for all those beloveds left behind. They may not be discern-able on the conscious level, but please know the energy is real and it is there now, and I am hoping it helps, if just a little bit.