Martha Riland

Martha Lucille Riland, age 97 years of Niles, Michigan died at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in Niles following a brief illness.

She was born on December 31, 1918 in Berrien Springs, Michigan to Lyle and Pearl (Ingleright) Pennell. She was graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1938 and was employed in several area restaurants including the former Nick’s ‘Someplace Else’ and the former Portofino, both in Niles. She has lived in Niles since 1975, coming from Saint Joseph, Michigan. She has also been employed at Linda’s Lemon Tree beauty salon in Niles, and finally at the Fort Saint Joseph Museum in Niles, retiring at the age of 87 years.

Lucille’s greatest interest was her family, working hard to support them, and enjoying the time that she had with them, especially as the grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along.

On November 23, 1941 in South Bend, Indiana she married John Riland who preceded her in death in 1982. She was also preceded in death by sons Patrick Riland who died in 1952 in a motor vehicle accident, and Rory “Skooch” Riland who died in 1972 also in a motor vehicle accident; and by a step-son, Thomas Riland; and Martha’s siblings, Fred Pennell, John Richard Pennell, and Barbara Dudas.

Surviving family includes her children, Linda (& Harold) Smith of Niles, James T. “Tim” (& Sharon) Riland of Eustace, Texas, Michael Riland of Niles, and Patricia “Trish” (& Neil) Coulston of Niles; grandchildren Shelly Smith, Jill (& Jamie) Turtle, Heather (& Scott) Wethington, Pat (& Julie) Riland, Corrie (& JJ) Williams, Rhiannon (& Jason) Harrison, Rosie (& Zach) Young, Patrick (& Jade) Coulston, Erin (& Gavin Rose) Coulston, Brian (& Lynsey) Coulston, Tom (& Patty) Riland, Kathy (& Ray) Hinton, Sue (& Billy) Miller, and Tim Riland, twenty-four great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Martha Lucille Riland will gather privately to honor her life and share memories. Interment will be at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. Contributions in memory of Lucille may be made to the Niles District Library. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.