Gale L. Riley

Gale L. Riley, 69, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away Thursday evening, January 30, 2020, at her residence following a lengthy illness.

She was born on March 21, 1950 in Sturgis, Michigan to George W. and Eunice (Garlets) Routsong.

She married Paul Wilson Riley on November 29, 1975 in Fort Wayne, Indiana and he preceded her in death on December 6, 2010.

Gale was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest in Fort Wayne where she was active in the Emmanuel Doves, providing support within the congregation.

She was a 1968 graduate of West Noble High School and had attended Ball State University and IPFW. Gale was a homemaker and had also worked in the office at McMillen Ice Arena.

Within the Riley and Routsong families, Gale was the organizer for assisting in making sure gatherings happened and memories were made…a role in which she will be dearly missed. Gale enjoyed being a part of the Country Neighbors Home Ec Group for over 30 years. She was active in yoga and enjoyed traveling the United States and internationally. Recently, Gale was able to experience the joys of her granddaughter, along with the continued time spent with her family. Along with her husband, Paul, they were members of the McMillen Lions Club and served as a host family for the many international guests who stayed in the Ft. Wayne area. She loved to plant flowers and was an accomplished negotiator at garage sales. She had a unique sense of humor and had a very outgoing personality and had no fear of introducing herself to others…she knew no strangers.

She is survived by daughter, Erin Riley of Fort Wayne, IN; granddaughter, Jorja Riley; three sisters, Mary (Ronald) Anthony of Fort Wayne, IN, Carol Jean “Jeanie” Arellano of Atlanta, GA, Julia “Julie” Routsong of Wawaka, IN; sister-in-law, Gloria “Joan” Routsong of McAllen, TX; nephew, Pablo Arellano of Fort Wayne, IN; 24 nieces and nephews along with many great nieces, great nephews, and many close family friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Dan Routsong.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2020, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest located at 9909 Wayne Trace in Fort Wayne, Indiana with Pastor Josef Henning officiating. Burial will follow at Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Soest.

Family and friends will be received from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2020, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest and one hour prior to services Friday also at the church.

Preferred memorials are to Emmanuel Lutheran Church Window Fund.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel in Monroeville, Indiana.