Riley William Childers, 89

Riley William Childers, 89, passed away Friday, June 13, 2008, at Lake View Care Center in Bigfork. Riley was born to Van and Ethel Childers at Galata on May 16, 1919. He attended rural grade school through grade eight and graduated from Galata High School in 1938.

Riley worked on the family farm until 1940 when he married his high school sweetheart, Nell Asselstine. They continued farming and began their family of three children, Riley Gordon, Vern Alan and Donna May. In 1951, they divorced.

Riley later married Alice Peterson-Berg and they had one son, Cecil Howard. Riley was widowed in 1959.

Riley was actively involved in cooperatives throughout his life. He served 31 years on the board of directors of the Union Elevator Company. He was a charter member and organizer of the Galata Cooperative Oil Company and a charter member of both the Marias River Electric Cooperative and the Northern Telephone Cooperative Association, all located in Toole County.

In 1962, Riley became the CEO of the Montana Associated Utilities, an association of Rural Electric Cooperatives, and served in this position until his retirement in 1982. Since that time he spent his summers at his home in Great Falls and the winters in Mesa and Apache Junction, Ariz., where he pursued his main hobby and lifelong passion of playing and singing country western music.

Riley was a very active person and enjoyed involvement with people, music and politics. The farm was always a great place for family gatherings. He loved his family and his grandchildren always held a special place in his heart.

Riley is survived by one brother, Elmer Childers, of Bozeman; one sister, Doris, and Darwin Snuffer, of Great Falls; his sons, Riley Childers of Bigfork, Vern and Marla Childers of Bigfork, and Cecil Childers of Evansville, Wyo.; and one daughter, Donna, and John Ganiere, of Bigfork. He has nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, Suzanne Childers; Steve and Kristen Childers, and son Cody; Debora and Gregg Hanzel, and daughters Ellie and Hanna; Kristine Arndt; Lori and Jeff Cormier, and son Garrett; Cathy and Tom Adolph, and children Seth and Lauren; Cheryl and Jack Saunders, and daughters Julia and Jaclyn; Michelle and Jesse Remington, and children Blake and Sierra; and Bret and Sara Childers; also numerous nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service celebrating Riley's life is planned for later this summer. To leave a condolence message, go to www.buffalohillfh.com

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.