Betty J. Riley

Betty Janice (Dusso) Riley, 97, of La Crosse, WI, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her residence at Brookdale Assisted Living.

Born on December 15, 1927, in La Crosse, WI, to Lyle and Betty Dusso, Betty was the sister of the late Fern Marie Blell, late Marjorie Thygesen, and late Ted Dusso. She attended Aquinas High School and later worked as a receptionist at Trane Company in La Crosse.

Betty was a dedicated runner, often using the track at Central High School on Travis Street before beginning her day. She had a deep appreciation for self-improvement, learning to play the spinet organ and studying French. A longtime member of Mary Mother of the Church, she cherished her faith and community.

She was inseparable from her beloved husband, Vince Riley, with whom she shared 65 wonderful years of marriage. Their bond was a testament to love, resilience, and unwavering companionship. Vince passed away on January 8, 2013, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories with Betty.

Betty was known for her striking red hair, always beautifully styled, and her impeccable makeup—she carried herself with timeless elegance, effortlessly blending warmth with a touch of glamour. Though sweet and soft-spoken, she never turned down an invitation to a celebration, embracing life’s joys with grace and enthusiasm. Whether a small gathering or a grand affair, she brought charm and warmth to every event she attended.

She is survived by nieces and nephews: Dianne Blell of New York, Sherry Zimmerman of Chicago, Kathy Adams of Los Angeles, Cindy Beeby of Valencia, CA, and Bendix Thygesen of Los Angeles. She was also predeceased by nieces Dana (Hauser) and Carol Francis (Thygesen) Taylor.

Betty will be laid to rest next to her husband, Vince, at Catholic Cemetery in La Crosse.

Betty’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever cherish the joy, beauty, and kindness she brought to their lives.

Memories can be shared at https://everloved.com/life-of/betty-riley/.