Melissa Kate Riley, age 56 of East Prairie, MO, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO.  She was born May 2, 1969, in Charleston, MO, to the late Leon Sterling and Emma Sterling, who survives of Sikeston, MO.   Melissa was a homemaker and a devoted Jehovah's Witness.  She was a very loving mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family.   She also enjoyed being at home and working with arts and crafts.

She married Daryl Riley on September 1, 1992, in Charleston.  He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include four sons, Nathan Wicker (Shannon) of Surprise, AR, Daryl Riley II (Ashli) of Sikeston, Zak Riley of Dexter, MO, and Gunnar Riley of Greenville, IL; one daughter, Chelsea Wicker (Kyle Bruner) of East Prairie; one brother, Daniel Sterling of Anniston, MO; two sisters, Elizabeth Pimentel (Mike) of Anniston, and Christie Farmer of Sikeston; her mother-in-law, Peggy Riley of East Prairie; and her brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Jessica Riley of Jackson, MO.  Also surviving are her precious grandchildren, Haley, Katie, Kyleeann, Kaylee, Christian, Zakary II, Lane, Jerzie Rae, and Kylen Dax; along with many special nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Besides her father, Melissa was preceded in death by one grandson, Daryl Riley III; and one brother-in-law, James Holman.

A celebration of life gathering for family and friends will be held beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Big Oak State Park.

Shelby Funeral Home of East Prairie is in charge of arrangements.