Helen (Havemeister) Riley

February 20, 1932 - April 17, 2026 Original Colonist, Helen (Havemeister) Riley, 94, passed away peacefully and went to her eternal home on April 17, 2026. Helen was born on February 20, 1932, in Chicago, IL. She came to Alaska with her parents, Arnold and Emmy Havemeister, at the age of three, becoming part of the Matanuska Colony families. Helen married Paul E. Riley on December 15, 1951. That same year, Paul and Helen pioneered and pastored Wasilla Assembly of God, now known as Summit Worship Center in Wasilla, Alaska. Helen had many jobs and talents throughout her life, including working as a school bus driver, cake decorator, and in accounting. She retired after many years of service as a general clerk at the Wasilla Post Office. She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and David Campbell of Palmer, AK, and Wanda and Tim McGraw of Madera, CA; seven grandchildren and their spouses; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her sister, Annie McCorkel; her brother, Bob Havemeister; her son, Howard Riley; and her grandson, Jeremiah Campbell. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to Summit Worship Center or Kingdom builders in honor of Helen Riley. http://www.summitwc.org/give A memorial service will be held at Summit Worship Center, 125 Riley Ave., Wasilla, AK, on Saturday, May 30, at 1 p.m.