Obituary of Melody Lynn Riley

Melody Riley was born in Portland, Oregon on September 24, 1959 to Martin and Helen Heydel.

As a very happy child, Melody was fond of activities with her brother, Brent. The two spent a lot of time swimming and water skiing, and Melody enjoyed baton twirling beside Brent while he rode his unicycle, carrying a banner to support her team. Melody was enthusiastic about learning sign language in her youth and was a talented tap dancer. She enjoyed visiting the family business, Super King Market, owned by her parents and her aunt and uncle, Ted and Rosemary Heydel. While growing up, Melody attended Milwaukie First Baptist Church with her family. At an early age, she asked Jesus into her heart and her love for the Lord grew exponentially. She shared this love for Jesus Christ with many other individuals throughout her lifetime.

After graduating from Rex Putnam High School in 1978, she attended Judson Baptist College and then continued her education at Portland Community College. Here, she received her Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development. In her early career, Melody worked at Meier & Frank, a childcare center, and her family business’s, the Giant Burger (Lake Grove) and then Lew’s Dari-Freeze (Milwaukie), for more than 25 years.

While studying at Portland Community College, Melody met Alan Riley. The couple dated several years before getting married in Portland. They then began attending Portland Foursquare.Later, they became heavily involved with New Beginnings, singing in the Praise Team. After losing her father, Martin, in 2000, Melody managed Lews along with her brother. Once the family decided to sell Lews, Melody began working at Mike’s Drive-In.

Melody struggled with her weight throughout her life.With a lot of hard work, she lost 100 pounds and for two years in a row, she ran the Portland Marathon. Her brother was right there with her in her huge accomplishments.

Due to health challenges, Melody retired early from Mike’s Drive-In. She loved gospel music and corresponding with friends and family. Melody and Alan loved to enjoy a nice breakfast-out together, especially at the Pancake House. They also enjoyed their movie dates very much.

In December of 2019, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In less than two weeks, she passed from earth to Heaven, sheltered in the arms of Jesus. She never knew so many people loved her so much, she said she could feel the power of love and prayers.Melody is survived by her husband and partner in life for 40 years, Alan, mother, Helen Heydel, brother, Brent (Kathy) Heydel, many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and loving friends.

A Celebration of Melody’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at 2:30pm at the Wichita Avenue Evangelical Church, 9491 SE Wichita Avenue, Milwaukie, Oregon, 97222.

If Melody were here with us right now, she would want to tell you just how important it is to be sure that you know heaven is your home when you die. Because Melody decided to follow Jesus, she knew that Heaven would be her new home.“The Joy of the Lord is My Strength”.