Carol Ann Riley, 74, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on November 23, 2025. She was born October 24, 1950, in Brush, Colorado, to William Ike and Mary Gertrude (Riddle) Shaver. Carol grew up in the peaceful Weldona Valley and proudly graduated from Fort Morgan High School in 1968.
After high school, Carol began her working years at Yates Drug Store and later worked at the Fort Morgan Beet Plant before marrying the love of her life, Royce Lesley Riley, on October 24, 1970, in Hastings, Nebraska. The couple made their home first in Hastings and then in Fort Morgan, Colorado, where Carol worked at Stror’s Chicken Inn until the family relocated to North Platte in 1983.
Carol had a warm, nurturing heart and a natural love for children. She was also an enthusiastic collector of cow figurines. Family was central to her life, and she cherished every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, William Roy Riley; brothers Hobert, William, Dave, Doug, and Garold Shaver; sisters Sandy Lamer, Shirley Brunkhart, and Nancy Riley; and step-sister Ethel Clapp.
Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Royce Lesley Riley; son Robin Riley of Bird City, Kansas; daughters Melissa Oaks and Melanie (Ragan) Courtier, both of North Platte, Nebraska; sisters Linda (Duane) Fitsler and Pat Shaver, both of Fort Morgan, Colorado; six beloved grandchildren: Joshua Greathouse, Mary Riley, Shawna Riley, Gena Courtier, Sara Riley, and Caroline Riley; one great-grandchild, Faith; and numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.
Memorials are suggested to Riverside Baptist Church.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:00am at Riverside Baptist Church. Online condolences may be given at odeanchapel.com.