Jean Marie Riley, 61, of Galesburg, Illinois, died Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, Illinois.
Jean was born September 12, 1961 in Galesburg, the daughter of John and Joyce (Durbin) Clay. Raised in Galesburg, Jean graduated from Galesburg High School in 1979. She then attended and graduated from Carl Sandburg College and later graduated from Knox College with a BS in English Literature. Over the next several years, Jean had three sons, Jason, Jacob, and Josh. While raising her sons Jean held several jobs, attended college, and worked as a substitute teacher for Galesburg School District 205. She last worked for several years as an assistant manager at Thornton’s Gas Station.
Jean married her partner since 2004, John T. Anderson, on August 16, 2016 in Galesburg. John preceded her in death on September 14, 2017 after a battle with cancer. Jean is survived by her sons, Jason and Jacob Rundle and Josh Rundle of Galesburg; and one grandson, Shawn Rundle. Jean is also survived by three brothers, John M. Clay of Galesburg, Daniel N. Clay of Sacramento, California, and Joseph L. Clay of Fort Worth, Texas; and two sisters, Mary L. Clay of Kewanee, Illinois and Melinda Clay of Chicago, Illinois. Along with her husband, Jean was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings.
John and Jean lived a life of fun and excitement. He taught her to live each and every moment like it was the last. In her free time Jean enjoyed reading and writing, in later years she enjoyed different puzzle games and adult coloring to keep her mind active. She enjoyed being a mom and always kept her house clean.
Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2023 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. No funeral services are planned. Cremation will be accorded following visitation. Memorial contributions may be made in Jean’s memory to the Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
