MARIE A. RILEA September 6, 1922-November 15, 2016, Marie died peacefully at Enloe Hospital , she was 94 years old. Marie was born September 6, 1922 to John and Leah Berg in Sentinel Butte, North Dakota. On September 1, 1942 Marie married Jim Rilea in Wibaux, Montana. They had known each other since the age of three and attended schools in Sentinel Butte, North Dakota. The day after the wedding Jim left for Lubbock, Texas with the Army Air Corps to serve as a Glider Pilot while Marie began teaching school. After Jim's service in World War II, from 1942-1945, they moved to Greenville, CA where they resided for 11 years and later moved to Chester, CA. Marie worked in Chester as a cook for the USFS, was an active member of the Lutheran church, helped her husband run their Farmers Insurance business, and raised three children. In 1984 the Rileas retired and moved to Forest Ranch. Marie spent her time sewing and making quilts for her family, growing beautiful flowers, raising a garden, canning, and helping those less fortunate. She was also a member of the Forest Ranch Women's Club, she always enjoyed a good game of pinochle, and was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chico where she began the Lutheran Women's Quilting Society which makes hundreds of quilts each year for the homeless and those in need. Marie also knitted countless numbers of booties, hats, and sweaters for the newborns at Enloe Hospital in Chico. Marie was predeceased by her husband of fifty six years, Jim Rilea and her beloved son David Rilea of Rocklin, CA. Marie leaves her many memories with family: Cynthia Craig (daughter) of Chico, Linda Rigsby (daughter), Elaine Rilea (daughter in law)of Rocklin and five grandchildren: Petrina, Pam, Stacy, Michele, and Michael, as well as nine great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Enloe Hospice. Burial was at the Glen Oaks Memorial Park. Condolences may be made to the family at www.brusiefh.com


Published in Chico Enterprise-Record on Nov. 27, 2016