Riley Mitchell
Jan 24th 1953 - Jan 5th 2012
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Rachel Brown
February 7th 2012
So glad I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Riley, even if the time was short. I just loved watching her interact with visitors at the Capitol Reef visitors center. Even when she was not feeling so well, she could turn it on and be positive and energetic when talking to people who coming in to see the park. "Enjoy YOUR National Park!", she would say to the Americans leaving the VC to go explore. I just LOVED that. We miss her here, and I hope all the positive energy she bestowed on everyone she met echoes through this world infinitely.
Love, Rachel & Scott Brown
Scott Gediman
January 31st 2012
I first met Riley when we were both Seasonal Park Rangers at Glen Canyon NRA in 1988. She had a few seasons under her belt and I was brand new. She instantly became a friend and mentor and held, and always will hold, a special place in my heart. My fondest memory was when I was to give my first evening campfire program, and I was nervous. However, it was "showtime" and I had a large audience. Riley, without me asking and on her day off, came to my program to offer me moral support and be there for me. It meant so much to me, and the program went well. We worked together for a few more years and I went off to Yosemite and Riley to Capitol Reef. We shared a lot of laughs and great times. I'll never forget her good spirit and what a wonderful person she was. She was, and is, very, very special to me. My heart is sad with her passing. But my memories are joyous and my life is richer for having Riley as a friend. Rest in Peace. With lots of love, Scott
Mark Sterkel
January 18th 2012
I first met Riley when we were both Rangers for the National Park Service at Glen Canyon NRA in Page (dam it!) AZ. I introduced her to her future husband Andy Karoly, by inviting her to one of the legendary "full moon BBQ's" at Steven and Bevin's "Entrada Rocks" encampment. (The Aman Giri Resort, Big Water, Ut now occupies that beautiful spot) Riley was a personal and professional inspiration to us all, and we enjoyed many, many Lake Powell and Escalante and Capital Reef outings together. She and Andy stood to my defense when I stepped into a US Government witch-hunt and inquisition, and for their honest support, I thank them forever. Some of my fondest memories are when Andy and Riley lived at Bullfrogg Marina on Lake Powell, and during their homesteading times at Deer Creek, Boulder, Utah. Someday I will digitize the hundreds of Kodacrome slides and prints of both of them, and post them on line forever. Riley, we love you, and will be with you soon! Enjoy that clear air, those awesome Henry Mtn sunrises, and the spectacular Capital Reef sunsets. And of course, morning coffee on a remote, perfectly still, blue, vivid remote morning on a Lake Fowell houseboat trip. May your canyon country beauty uplift your spirit forever! Lori and I miss you :)
Christy Garrou
January 14th 2012
My deepest sympathies to Riley's family.
I knew Riley from Capitol Reef (visitor center 2007 to 2009), and I will always appreciate her influence on me. She trusted me and encouraged independence, and brought confidence and professionalism when she was needed. When she wasn't feeling well, she still found the energy to show enthusiam with visitors. I remember her voice and laughter floating down the hall in the visitor center. Good days.
Be well now Riley.
Carla Zambreno
January 13th 2012
Dear Robin, Kacey, Patrick, and families,
I met Riley when my daughter, Laura Geier, was an assistant interpreter at Capitol Reef National Park in 2008 and 2009. She took Laura under her wing and encouraged her to soar in her work there. Riley was a natural at developing confidence and spreading enthusiasm with others.
She and I shared similar memories of growing up as 50's children in Chicago and eventually venturing out west to Utah. Our moms passed away within two days of each other in January 2010 and we exchanged comforting messages since then.
You have Mom to embrace today, Riley.
I will think of you, especially when in red rock canyons.
Carla Zambreno, James Geier, Jonah Geier
Logan, Utah
DAVID SAMUELS
January 13th 2012
Riley , who I had just met , was showing me around the office at Capitol Reef , it was my first day as a volunteer and I knew nothing about the Park Service , I was a bit nervous. I picked up a Ranger hat that was sitting on a desk and started to put it on , " Do I get to wear a Smokey hat ? ", I tried to joke . Riley touched my hand , smiled at me like a soft-hearted Mom and said slowly and firmly , " No , David , only Rangers wear the flat hat. " She took the hat , returned it to the desk and gently patted my shoulder. I knew right then and there that I was in good hands.
Riley was always supportive , encouraging and helpful .She was also proudly professional , honest and straight forward .
I remember sharing a pitcher and pizza on the outdoor porch of a small cafe just outside Capital Reef. It was the end of summer,
sun going down , red sandstone cliffs , swapping stories , laughter , young Rangers , old volunteers , Riley smiling away , talking about some outragous Dead concert she and Andy had gone to .......
Rest easy , Dear One.
Don Corbeil
January 13th 2012
My deepest sympathies to Riley's family. She was a good person, and I will miss knowing she is around. We were both fans of the Chicago Cubs, and although they had continually tough years, she remained loyal, and continued going to spring trainings in arizona. I worked with Riley at Capitol Reef National Park for sevral years. She was fun to work with, and her energy when she was feeling well was always positive. May you rest in peace, Riley. And may you help the Cubs win a world series ;-)
Tim Towasnicki
January 12th 2012
Dear Riley's family, Alot of fond memories came from Wicker Street in Hammond, that I still cherish. Hope our thoughts and prayers help you through this difficult time........
Laura Geier
January 12th 2012
I worked for Riley at Capitol Reef National Park during my first work with the National Park Service in the summers of 2008 and 2009. I'll always remember first talking to Riley on the phone as she asured me that fate had led me to the park service job. She had a very positive impact on my life during those two summers at the park, encouraging me in Interpretation. We shared great stories, laughed, and encouraged one another. Her laugh and smile will be with me always as well as her life's example.
Leslie Brodhead
January 11th 2012
I worked for Riley at Capitol Reef National Park -- she was a very caring person, but also had a great sense of humor. I remember right after I started, I had a birthday and she and Cindy bringing me to the conference room with a big birthday cake. I also remember her telling some really funny stories, that kept us laughing throughout the summer. I always wished she could have had more happiness during the last couple of years. Rest in peace...
Bill Bumpus
January 11th 2012
So sorry to hear about Riley's passing - we'd lost touch over the years, but I have fond memories of time we spent together in Gary; late nights playing "Dragon Master" at Len and Marla's house, and our road trip from Indiana to the Grand Canyon.
RIP, Riley Ann. It's still a doggy dog world.
Russ Huneryager
January 9th 2012
Dear Riley's Family: We are very sorry for your loss. JoEllen talked alot about Riley she fought a brave battle. She was a great friend to my sister over the years they met numorous times at lots of locations. Again sorry for your loss sincerly Russ and Cindy Huneryager
Rachel Brown
February 7th 2012
So glad I had the opportunity to meet and get to know Riley, even if the time was short. I just loved watching her interact with visitors at the Capitol Reef visitors center. Even when she was not feeling so well, she could turn it on and be positive and energetic when talking to people who coming in to see the park. "Enjoy YOUR National Park!", she would say to the Americans leaving the VC to go explore. I just LOVED that. We miss her here, and I hope all the positive energy she bestowed on everyone she met echoes through this world infinitely.
Love, Rachel & Scott Brown
Scott Gediman
January 31st 2012
I first met Riley when we were both Seasonal Park Rangers at Glen Canyon NRA in 1988. She had a few seasons under her belt and I was brand new. She instantly became a friend and mentor and held, and always will hold, a special place in my heart. My fondest memory was when I was to give my first evening campfire program, and I was nervous. However, it was "showtime" and I had a large audience. Riley, without me asking and on her day off, came to my program to offer me moral support and be there for me. It meant so much to me, and the program went well. We worked together for a few more years and I went off to Yosemite and Riley to Capitol Reef. We shared a lot of laughs and great times. I'll never forget her good spirit and what a wonderful person she was. She was, and is, very, very special to me. My heart is sad with her passing. But my memories are joyous and my life is richer for having Riley as a friend. Rest in Peace. With lots of love, Scott
Mark Sterkel
January 18th 2012
I first met Riley when we were both Rangers for the National Park Service at Glen Canyon NRA in Page (dam it!) AZ. I introduced her to her future husband Andy Karoly, by inviting her to one of the legendary "full moon BBQ's" at Steven and Bevin's "Entrada Rocks" encampment. (The Aman Giri Resort, Big Water, Ut now occupies that beautiful spot) Riley was a personal and professional inspiration to us all, and we enjoyed many, many Lake Powell and Escalante and Capital Reef outings together. She and Andy stood to my defense when I stepped into a US Government witch-hunt and inquisition, and for their honest support, I thank them forever. Some of my fondest memories are when Andy and Riley lived at Bullfrogg Marina on Lake Powell, and during their homesteading times at Deer Creek, Boulder, Utah. Someday I will digitize the hundreds of Kodacrome slides and prints of both of them, and post them on line forever. Riley, we love you, and will be with you soon! Enjoy that clear air, those awesome Henry Mtn sunrises, and the spectacular Capital Reef sunsets. And of course, morning coffee on a remote, perfectly still, blue, vivid remote morning on a Lake Fowell houseboat trip. May your canyon country beauty uplift your spirit forever! Lori and I miss you :)
Christy Garrou
January 14th 2012
My deepest sympathies to Riley's family.
I knew Riley from Capitol Reef (visitor center 2007 to 2009), and I will always appreciate her influence on me. She trusted me and encouraged independence, and brought confidence and professionalism when she was needed. When she wasn't feeling well, she still found the energy to show enthusiam with visitors. I remember her voice and laughter floating down the hall in the visitor center. Good days.
Be well now Riley.
Carla Zambreno
January 13th 2012
Dear Robin, Kacey, Patrick, and families,
I met Riley when my daughter, Laura Geier, was an assistant interpreter at Capitol Reef National Park in 2008 and 2009. She took Laura under her wing and encouraged her to soar in her work there. Riley was a natural at developing confidence and spreading enthusiasm with others.
She and I shared similar memories of growing up as 50's children in Chicago and eventually venturing out west to Utah. Our moms passed away within two days of each other in January 2010 and we exchanged comforting messages since then.
You have Mom to embrace today, Riley.
I will think of you, especially when in red rock canyons.
Carla Zambreno, James Geier, Jonah Geier
Logan, Utah
DAVID SAMUELS
January 13th 2012
Riley , who I had just met , was showing me around the office at Capitol Reef , it was my first day as a volunteer and I knew nothing about the Park Service , I was a bit nervous. I picked up a Ranger hat that was sitting on a desk and started to put it on , " Do I get to wear a Smokey hat ? ", I tried to joke . Riley touched my hand , smiled at me like a soft-hearted Mom and said slowly and firmly , " No , David , only Rangers wear the flat hat. " She took the hat , returned it to the desk and gently patted my shoulder. I knew right then and there that I was in good hands.
Riley was always supportive , encouraging and helpful .She was also proudly professional , honest and straight forward .
I remember sharing a pitcher and pizza on the outdoor porch of a small cafe just outside Capital Reef. It was the end of summer,
sun going down , red sandstone cliffs , swapping stories , laughter , young Rangers , old volunteers , Riley smiling away , talking about some outragous Dead concert she and Andy had gone to .......
Rest easy , Dear One.
Don Corbeil
January 13th 2012
My deepest sympathies to Riley's family. She was a good person, and I will miss knowing she is around. We were both fans of the Chicago Cubs, and although they had continually tough years, she remained loyal, and continued going to spring trainings in arizona. I worked with Riley at Capitol Reef National Park for sevral years. She was fun to work with, and her energy when she was feeling well was always positive. May you rest in peace, Riley. And may you help the Cubs win a world series ;-)
Tim Towasnicki
January 12th 2012
Dear Riley's family, Alot of fond memories came from Wicker Street in Hammond, that I still cherish. Hope our thoughts and prayers help you through this difficult time........
Laura Geier
January 12th 2012
I worked for Riley at Capitol Reef National Park during my first work with the National Park Service in the summers of 2008 and 2009. I'll always remember first talking to Riley on the phone as she asured me that fate had led me to the park service job. She had a very positive impact on my life during those two summers at the park, encouraging me in Interpretation. We shared great stories, laughed, and encouraged one another. Her laugh and smile will be with me always as well as her life's example.
Leslie Brodhead
January 11th 2012
I worked for Riley at Capitol Reef National Park -- she was a very caring person, but also had a great sense of humor. I remember right after I started, I had a birthday and she and Cindy bringing me to the conference room with a big birthday cake. I also remember her telling some really funny stories, that kept us laughing throughout the summer. I always wished she could have had more happiness during the last couple of years. Rest in peace...
Bill Bumpus
January 11th 2012
So sorry to hear about Riley's passing - we'd lost touch over the years, but I have fond memories of time we spent together in Gary; late nights playing "Dragon Master" at Len and Marla's house, and our road trip from Indiana to the Grand Canyon.
RIP, Riley Ann. It's still a doggy dog world.
Russ Huneryager
January 9th 2012
Dear Riley's Family: We are very sorry for your loss. JoEllen talked alot about Riley she fought a brave battle. She was a great friend to my sister over the years they met numorous times at lots of locations. Again sorry for your loss sincerly Russ and Cindy Huneryager