Shelby Riley

Shelby Ann Riley (née Miller) passed away peacefully in Austin, Texas. A graveside service for Shelby will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at San Saba City Cemetery and will be officiated by Pastor John Alsbrooks. Arrangements are under the direction of Blaylock Funeral Home in San Saba, Tx.

Shelby was born on October 7, 1937, as the third child of George Clarence Miller and Willie Beatrice House Miller of San Saba, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and all four of her siblings: George Willis Miller, Gene Milton Miller, Charles Edward Miller, and Emma Margaret Miller Brister.

Shelby grew up in San Saba, attending public schools there. She later set off to different parts of Texas, living in El Paso and Dallas before settling in Austin, where she spent the vast majority of her life. While in Austin, Shelby met Len Riley. They were married in 1976 and spent 49½ happy years together.

Though she had no children of her own, Shelby was deeply devoted to family. Her mother lived with Shelby and Len in her later years until her death. Over the years, Shelby and Len made at least eight trips to California to visit both Len's sister, Nancy, and Shelby's brother, Gene, and made countless trips to Kansas to visit Shelby's sister, Marty. After Shelby's brother Charles lost his wife, Shelby cooked for him and spoke with him daily.

Shelby became an avid golfer, winning several tournaments. It was somewhat unusual in her early days to be a female golfer and, even more unusual, she shot "lefty" as well.

Shelby also dearly loved dogs, ultimately settling on Shetland Sheepdogs. When discussing cremation arrangements with a funeral director several years ago, she even asked whether some of her dogs' ashes could be buried with her own.

Realizing that their concern for their pets' well-being limited their ability to travel, Shelby and Len chose not to replace their last Sheltie and instead began traveling extensively throughout the United States. Their travels included 18 Road Scholar programs and visits to 10 national parks. Time with family was always at the heart of Shelby's travel plans, and she often arranged trips to visit relatives along the way. Her travels were as much about being with family as seeing new places.

Shelby is survived by her husband, Len Riley; her late sister's widower, Tex Brister; and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own. Her wishes were to be cremated and buried alongside her parents at the San Saba City Cemetery.

Online condolences can be made at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com