Jacqueline Tovey Riley
June 2, 1935 – February 19, 2025

Jacqueline Tovey Riley

Jun 2, 1935 – Feb 19, 2025

Jackie Tovey was born near Malad City, Idaho. She was the 8th of 14 children born to Lester and Edith Tovey. They were a close, loving family and were one of the greatest blessings in her life. Jackie was a devoted and thoughtful sister, often doing kind things for her siblings.

Her family was musical, and Jackie loved music. She played the trumpet and French horn and was very talented on the piano. She could play anything even though she only took piano lessons for a few months. In high school she was the ward pianist. She would play for her sisters who sang at many events around Malad. She tried to play perfectly because she was afraid to make a mistake when playing for her older sisters! One year for Christmas Art surprised her with an organ. Jackie taught herself to play and then played in church for almost 40 years. She also had a beautiful singing voice and loved to sing in the choir.

Jackie was fun and well-liked by her classmates. In high school, she was the representative at Girls State. After graduation, Jackie and her sister Sandra went to work as secretaries at the University of Idaho where she met her future husband, Lowell Arthur Riley. Jackie worked for the Engineering Department. The Dean told Jackie there were only 2 students that were worth dating. She never did meet that other guy.

Art and Jackie married after he graduated and lived back East while Art worked for GE. In Ohio their young daughter, Colleen, died of leukemia. Art accepted a job in Spokane, and they moved there with their 2 young daughters. They lived in Spokane for 50 years and had 2 more sons and another daughter. Jackie loved reading and always read to her children. She loved flowers and always had a beautiful yard. She was very patriotic and had a deep love for her country. She had a special gift for making life fun, and her sense of humor and fondness for practical jokes brought joy to those around her. She was a kind, caring friend and loved her many good friends.

Jackie loved the gospel and shared that with Art and her children. They were sealed in the temple in October 1969. Jackie had many callings in the church and some of her favorite years were spent serving in the primary.

Jackie and Art built a cabin on Loon Lake, which became a blessing to the whole family. It was a place filled with laughter, water skiing, and memories with family and friends. It was where everyone had fun, and their kids learned to love spending time with each other. Jackie created a warm, welcoming place that made every gathering memorable.

After Art’s passing in 2013, Jackie continued to find joy in her life, surrounded by family and friends where she was loved by many. Art and Jackie were blessed with 21 grandchildren. Jackie passed away peacefully in her sleep after being tucked in bed by her daughters. Her passing marks the end of a life well-lived, full of love, faith, and service to others. Her family will forever cherish the example she set of kindness, humor, resilience, and devotion