Betty Jane Kelley Riase

Betty Riase Obituary The Life of Betty Kelley-Riase (née Dobbins) Betty Jane Kelley-Riase (née Dobbins) gained her angel wings on August 1, 2020. She was born to the late Doris and Al Dobbins on July 25, 1947. The Dobbins family attended Cory United Methodist Church where Betty learned her Christian values of family, community and service. This nurturing led to Betty accepting Christ at an early age. Betty would go on to serve Cory in multiple capacities throughout the years. Whether it be in auxiliaries, the usher boards, a Sunday school teacher, or vacation bible school, Betty was there. Betty graduated from John Adams High School, Class of 1966. And then later graduated from Central State University, Class of 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Betty developed a “Sister Circle” while at Central State who have remained dear friends to this day. Linda Reeves has become an integral member of Betty’s family loving called Aunt Linda by family and friends alike. On March 10, 1982, Betty gave birth to Alicia Lauren. Betty nurtured Alicia by emphasizing the importance of education, fostering her passion for ice skating and most recently supporting her through motherhood. Betty cherished her relationship with Alicia especially their morning prayers and motivational calls. Cory United Methodist Church continued to influence and impact Betty’s life. It was here where Betty reconnected with another long-standing church-family member, Dwight Riase. The two married on November 24, 2000. Betty and Alicia loved their blended family. Betty was a celebrated teacher in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for over 35 years. She was extremely proud of her career, teaching generations of families. She loved children and teaching and spent the majority of her career at Emile B. DeSauze Elementary School. Betty and the Emile B. DeSauze staff became a close-knit family. Betty lived life out loud through her hobbies and community service. She loved making fashion statements, known for her beautiful white hair and arm of jewelry. She also loved entertaining, cooking and traveling. Her love of cooking allowed her to continue the culinary trade from her mother’s catering business, where her secret “greens” recipe was always requested! Her love of gardening led to her “green thumb” and she was always willing to share a cutting from a plant. Betty treasured her sisterhood in the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Especially the bond she formed with her line sisters and cherished her service as a member of Eliza Bryant Auxiliary II, both organizations empowering women and giving back to the community. Many loving memories will be cherished by her husband, Dwight, daughter, Alicia (Amadou) Bah, granddaughter, Amina; cousin, Clifford Cooley; adoring stepchildren: Delmar Riase, Delbert Riase, Dwight Riase, Wallace Riase, Sharrie Coburn, Wandra Riase, Maryum Cooper, Jamillah Riase, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers- in law, three sisters-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Jean Brooks, affectionately known as “Granny”, Alicia’s Godmother, Linda Reeves and Cory Methodist Church members, Ada Norwood and Gwendolyn Jones (to name two). Betty was blessed with Dwight’s love, care and devotion during her illness. We will always remember her call to her beloved “Dwight” and his response, “Betty Jane.” Message from Her Forever Friend: I hope we are friends until we die. And then, I hope we stay ghost friends forever and walk through walls and “Share the Love” Miss you Sister-friend, Marlene To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Jane Kelley Riase, please visit our floral store. Read More

Betty Jane Kelley Riase

July 25, 1947 - August 1, 2020