Joan Riley, age 86, of Cimarron passed away on July 28, 2019. She was born on February 21, 1933 to John E, and Yula G Hobbes in Cimarron.
Throughout her school years she excelled, was lead trumpet in the Cimarron marching Band and graduated as Valedictorian of the Cimarron High School Class of 1951. The day after graduation she married and began a new life away from home. This life carried to many different places in New Mexico, Texas and even as far away as Washington, D. C. She worked for the federal government for many years, most notably The Corporation for Public Service where she worked in the training division for the VISTA and Ameracorps. She retired in 2011 and after 50 years away, she moved back to the family home in Cimarron.
Joan continued her spirit of volunteerism as she worked as a VISTA volunteer in the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion programs. She also enjoyed gardening and became involved in the Master Gardener program where she helped establish a Master Gardener program at he Chase Ranch.
Joan is survived by her siblings George Hobbes of Bosque Farms, Margaret Shaw of Houston, Bill Hobbes of Phoenix and Robert Hobbes of Albuquerque. Also surviving are her children Dr. William Riley and wife Dr. Linda Carroll of New York City, Ruth Garcia and husband Rudy of Cimarron and son Charles Riley and wife Lacey of Flower Mound. She is also survived by her grandchildren Sean Riley and his wife Nicolette of Austin, TX and Jennifer Riley of New Hampshire.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10 at 11 AM at the Cimarron United Methodist Church. The service will be followed by a light lunch in the fellowship.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of the Yaksich-Long Funeral Home of Raton.
