Sarah Elizabeth Phillips Riley (Beth) passed away peacefully on September 29, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children.
Visitation will be held at Temple Baptist Church on Friday, October 2, at 10 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Dr. Reggie Bridges presiding, followed by interment at Kilpatrick’s Memorial Gardens under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes of Ruston, Louisiana.
Beth was born in Columbus, Mississippi, on February 4, 1946, to Jimmy and Sarah Phillips. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Jim Phillips. Beth is survived by her husband of 60 years, Dr. Tyrone Riley (Ron); her children and grandchildren all of Ruston: Memrie Riley Lolley, husband Shannon, and their children Morgan Songer (Levi), Brooke Malsam (Garrett), and Ty Lolley (Lauren); Paul Riley, wife Jennifer, and their children Leyton, Carson, and Ainsley Riley; and Jill Riley Myers, husband Bob, and their children Kate, James, and Will. Beth was proud of her six great-grandchildren: Logan, Annalise, and Mallory Songer; Riley Beth and Reese Malsam; and Russell Lolley. She is also survived by her brother Dow Phillips (Renee) of Columbus, Mississippi, sister-in-law Jane Phillips Thornton of Decatur, Alabama, as well as nieces Clemmie Everett and Mollie Phillips, nephew Ryan Phillips, and many cousins.
Beth spent an idyllic childhood playing with cousins, horseback riding, and skiing in the Tombigbee River in Columbus, Mississippi. She was a state champion swimmer in the butterfly. A graduate of S. D. Lee High School, Beth went on to enroll at the “W” (Mississippi University for Women) in Columbus, Mississippi. While there, she met Ron, a Mississippi State University student, and after they married, they spent a year in Starkville, Mississippi, before moving to Texas, and later Pineville, Louisiana. They found their home in Ruston, Louisiana, in 1976 where they settled to raise their family.
Beth was a member of Temple Baptist Church for 50 years, and she faithfully served in various capacities from helping put together a cookbook to teaching second grade Sunday School to rocking babies and delivering snacks to preschoolers. Beth especially loved helping with Vacation Bible School and supporting the Bible Drill program as she diligently helped her nine grandchildren memorize scripture while they participated in Bible Drill.
Beth was a helpmate to Ron as she stepped into any role needed to help him as he grew his engineering business. Additionally, she was a natural caretaker who doted on her children and grandchildren.
Beth loved her Ruston community. She made friendships through various organizations such as Civic Guild and her bridge club. She was also a charter member of Junior Auxiliary of Ruston. She was a longtime supporter of Cedar Creek School beginning when her children matriculated, continuing throughout the years of her grandchildren’s attendance, and now her oldest great-grandchild. She often bragged that she won the award at Cedar Creek Grandparents’ Day for having the most grandchildren enrolled for many years.
Among her many roles – wife, mother, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, and Gran – Beth impacted others with her cheerfulness and kindness. She rarely met a stranger. Despite her health issues over the last few years, Beth prided herself on being a boxer in the Rock Steady Program. Her grandchildren often joked with her about her fierce boxing abilities.
Pallbearers will be Leyton Riley, Ty Lolley, Carson Riley, James Myers, Will Myers, Levi Songer, and Garrett Malsam. The family gives a special thanks to Kathryn Baker, who was a passionate caregiver and steadfast friend.
Memorials may be made to Rock Steady Boxing at Louisiana Tech University Foundation or a charity of your choice.
