| Graduation Year | Class of 1959 |
| Date of Passing | Oct 16, 2022 |
| About | Marilyn Kay Riel was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away peacefully on October 16, 2022, in Yakima, Washington. She was born to Les and Lena Montgomery, on December 21, 1940, in Yakima, and spent her whole life in the Yakima valley, graduating from Eisenhower High School and attending YVC. She married the love of her life Leonard William Riel on October 26, 1963. They made their home in Harrah, Washington, where they raised their four kids, Mary, Jeff, Steve, and Amy. Leonard was a farmer alongside his father and brother, and soon hops, apples and grapes and the Double R Hop Ranch became an integral part of Kay's life. She especially loved the sense of community she found in Harrah, and eventually served on the Mount Adams School board for many years. Kay's love for her children and grandchildren was endless and there were always "beeee careful" cookies, yearly engraved pumpkins, handcrafted pillowcases, and blankets. She was always present with a camera in her hand and strived to be their biggest cheerleader. She loved all sorts of crafting, baking, and gardening. Her pies, cinnamon rolls, and cookies were legendary. Some of her and Leonard's favorite times were spent at their spot at Silver Beach at Rimrock Lake, cooking and entertaining for friends and family. They also enjoyed traveling and she was proud that she had been to all 50 states. She was a loud and proud Mariner's fan. Kay also loved her "monthly school gals" lunches and was always thankful for those friendships. She is preceded in death by her parents, Les and Lena Montgomery, parents-in-law, Willie and Yvette Riel, her brother, Bob Montgomery, and her husband, Leonard Riel. She is survived by her children, Mary (John) Rightmire, Jeff (Jacki) Riel, Steve (Misti) Riel, Amy (Doug) Salzwedel, her nine grandchildren, Emily, Lindsey, Hunter Jackson, Blake, Kendall, Addi, Katie, and Quinn, her brothers, Bill (Marianne) Montgomery, and Ken (Sue) Montgomery. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service is scheduled for October 26, 2022, at 10:00am at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, in Wapato, followed by burial at Reservation Community Memorial Park, in Wapato. In lieu of flowers, please make donations payable to Sunnyside Christian School or Peacekeeper Society, and mailed in care of Brookside Funeral Home, who is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com. |
