Dates
Barbara Jean Riley “Mimi”, of San Angelo, TX passed away peacefully in her home May 14, 2024 at the age of 86. She was born in Pearsall, TX on February 5, 1938 to Lola Ruth Robinson Hardcastle and Paul J. Hardcastle. The incredible work ethic and loving-care for others Barbara displayed throughout her life could be seen at a young age in the way she helped care for her siblings as the oldest daughter of four children.
Barbara, always humble to her stunning beauty, one day stole the heart of a young airman home for a visit. The confident Morgan Riley, told her then boyfriend “he was going to marry that girl” upon seeing her across the high school courtyard. Morgan and Barbara married July 25, 1955 in West Palm Beach, FL and began a beautiful life together for 68 years. Morgan got his “girlfriend.”
After their time in Florida, Morgan and Barbara settled in San Marcos, TX and began a family having two children, Mark, her favorite son, and Robin, her favorite daughter. She never passed up an opportunity to beat them to the punch of returning an “I love you” with a “love you more!”
In 1967 Morgan and Barbara moved to San Angelo, TX where they would call home for 57 years. Barbara worked in the dental and medical fields for 25 years before pursuing her own dreams. She opened This Old House Antiques, A-Troop Headquarters, which transitioned to Southern Scents and ultimately, Olio Inc. Being a great multitasker she was able to juggle home life and running a business while still making time for fun hobbies like motorcycles, camping trips, and snow skiing. She could be spontaneous yet disciplined. Extremely fun but also very serious. She exemplified balance.
In her years as a business woman, Barbara was the recipient of numerous local awards such as Woman of the Year and Small Business Person of the Year. Olio was recognized for its integrity and innovation receiving the Industry Expansion Award 3 times, Chamber Business Growth Award and Chamber Of Commerce Diversity award. Barbara, with her right hand man Morgan, built their business with the great desire to be good stewards of what they knew God had given them. The lasting impact of their kindness, integrity and care of others is still felt today.
Barbara served on numerous boards and committees during her lifetime. Most notably are her roles as a Board Member of San Angelo National Bank and Meals for the Elderly. With her compassion for others, Barbara also served her community through volunteering at Rust Street Ministries, Building Bridges and teaching ESL for many years. She was very active in her church, Southland Baptist, where she devoted much time sharing her faith and love for Jesus with others.
Upon retirement in 2005, Barbara and Morgan took to traveling the world. They shared many memories exploring Europe and taking roadtrips across the United States. When their travel days came to an end, Barbara kept herself busy working estate sales around San Angelo. Something she really loved.
Barbara excelled in life as a strong woman and entrepreneur but her favorite roles were that of wife, mother and grandmother. She was Mimi to her 5 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, as well as many of the grandchildren’s friends who also considered her their “Mimi.” The most cherished memories of Barbara are those from her family seeing her in the kitchen cooking up a delicious meal, apple spice or lemon cake. Her strawberry salad and chocolate pies were the main event for the holidays. Having her family and friends in her home and around the dining room table is what brought Barbara much joy.
She is survived by her children Mark (Cindy) Riley and Robin (Terry) Bahlman. Grandchildren, Cooper (Whitney) Riley, and Julie (Clint) Halfmann; Cody (Kenna) Bahlman, Katy (Ryan) Woodruff, and Ryan Bahlman, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, May 17th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Southland Baptist Church Multi-Purpose Center.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 18th at 2: 00 pm at Harper Funeral Home followed by burial at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers & in the giving spirit of Barbara please consider a donation to your favorite charity.