Linnia Gale Riley

September 13, 1968 - July 5, 2021

Linnia Gale Riley of St. James, Missouri passed away on Monday, July 5, 2021 at Mercy hospital in Springfield, Missouri at the age of 52. Linnia was born in Peoria, Illinois on September 13, 1968 to Sandy Mobley. Linnia pursued her passions in life full-force. She had always wanted a career in healthcare, and welding, and was very fortunate to have done both. She attended welding school, which in itself was pretty brave, and amazing for a female, back in the 1970's, welding was more of a predominately "male" occupation, she knew she had to be the "best" in the field, and she was. Linnia took on jobs that required full leather, and masks in the soaring heat, and did better than most men, welding seams to perfection, she spent over 20 years welding before moving into her second career as a home healthcare CNA. Linnia was perfect for the job, and grew to love the patients she cared for each day. They not only had great respect for Linnia, but they loved her right back. Linnia was united in marriage to Gene Riley on May 28, 2005, this union was shared by her three children, and Gene's three children. The word step was never used, nor needed, they were family. She and Gene bought a little farm just outside of St. James. She loved getting up before work and sitting on the porch, watching the horses in the field, and loving her own little piece of Heaven, with her chickens, and miniature donkey she named Murphy. She enjoyed going for drives with Gene in the evenings, but most importantly she loved her family. Lovingly called mawmo by her 19 grand-children, with most everyone else just calling her mom. She loved getting the family together for holidays, and birthdays, or really just anytime, as long as she could spend time with family was all that mattered. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, and will be greatly missed. Linnia Gale Riley is survived by her husband Gene, of the home; children, Michael Artman and wife Taylor, of Pekin, IL, David Artman and wife Mary, of Pekin, IL, Jessica Artman and wife Stephanie, of Bourbon, MO; Trinity Riley, of CA, Mariena Turner and husband Ethan, of Snook, TX, and Kelsie Lange, of Caldwell, TX; brother, Phillip Zapst and wife Joy, of MD; grandchildren, Gabe, Lexi, Addie, Colton, Aydyn, Alyssa, and Claira Artman, Katlyn, Courtney, and Danielle Sparks, Travis Bergner , Dallas Riley, and Levi Dulin, Brent and Camden Turner, and Eli, Michael, Charlie, and Waylan Lange; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Funeral services for Linnia will be private, due to Covid-19. Online condolences can be left at www.jamesgahrmortuary.com