Riley Gustavo Herrera passed away Thursday, November 23, 2023, in Helena Mt. He was born, April 11, 1992, in Helena to Ron and Nina Herrera. Riley was born with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). He gave it his all, but in the end he succumbed to the all too familiar problems associated with DMD. He died at home surrounded by his loving family.
Riley was a true warrior who battled his whole life with grace and humility. Riley never let this disease define him; on the contrary, he lived life on his own terms. So much so, that on March 31, 2007, he received a heart transplant at just 14 years old that would give him an extra 16 years to spend on this planet with his loved ones.
Riley surpassed all expectations of what he was told he could never do. He rode a bike, got a driver’s license, graduated high school from Capital High and went on to graduate from Nevada State with a BA in Criminal justice and a Minor in Psychology.
Riley was a sports fanatic who loved to watch his favorite teams on T.V. and in person. He was a beloved Griz fan. Go GRIZ! His other favorite teams included the Miami Dolphins, Gonzaga Bulldogs, USC Trojans and L.A. Lakers.
One of Riley’s favorite things to do with his dad was hunting and fishing.
Riley loved driving his car to Great Falls, where he spent many weekends hanging out with his Uncles, Greg and Dave. He also loved spending time at the family cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake. He loved travelling especially to exotic places such as Peru, Mexico and the Bahamas.
Riley is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary and Howard Stuart; and Inge and Gus Herrera. He is survived by his parents, Nina and Ron Herrera, his sister Lexi (fiancé Nick Wyman) and his loyal dog Chico. Also included are his Uncles, Greg, Dave and Chris (Mahasin) Stuart. Rick, Dan (Chandra) and Steve Herrera. Aunts, Maria Tromly, Lisa (Jeff) Blanford. Numerous cousins, Robert, Hayatee, Jazira, Aziz, Stefanie, Danielle, Kallie and Laureli.
Friends are asked to join the family at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Monday, November 27, 2023 from 1-3 PM to celebrate his life.
Private interment of ashes will take place at a later date.
Donations in memory of Riley can be made to Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD) at https://www.parentprojectmd.org/
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Monday November 27, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Monday November 27, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
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Clay Pipinich says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Herrera Family. R.I.P. Riley
Daniel Herrera says
Riley spent many days at the family cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake and Hunting Cabin in the Garnet Mountains near Drummond. We had many adventures in the Garnet Range and Riley scored a monster Muley near the cabin one year. We Enjoyed watching the Gizz and Cats play on fall Saturdays. We had loads of fun boating at Canyon Ferry and Gates of the Mountains. He lived his life to the fullest and never complained about his MD. He never let his illness define his life, he forged ahead. We had great times with Riley, he truly is a warrior inside out. His Mom and Dad, and sister warriors as well, battling along side Riley. He brought us all great joy and appreciation for life. I am certain a man like Riley is walking in Heaven with Christ and family. He will always been in our hearts and minds. I Love you bro!
Lynn and Lance Zanto says
Nina, Ron, and Lexie-
Riley is a gem and our hearts are broken. Thinking of you all and hoping you can find a little comfort knowing you have an amazing angel watching over you. Love and hugs –
Lynn and Lance
Marissa Quenzer says
Ron, Nina & Lexi,
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during these tough times. Riley was an amazing man and touched so many people’s hearts with his generosity and humility. Riley will be missed by so many. Rest In Peace Riley! ❤️
Terry Senecal says
Nina, Ron and Lexi,
Riley was a sweet soul with a beautiful smile that I will always remember. Sending prayers and hugs for all of you.
Carrie Frohreich says
So very sorry to read about Riley’s passing. I remember him in Boy Scouts and being at our house with my sons Jesse and Jake. He was fun, and so full of spirit. Our thoughts are prayers are with the family. RIP Riley. We will always remember you!
Bill Bentley says
Please take care. RIP Riley.
Stacey, Cliff, Madison, Meredith and Rylee says
Our HEARTS are so broken…. We had a lot of fun times with Riley while carpooling. I’m glad I got to see him awhile ago. Sending love, light and prayers to Nina, Ron, Lexi.
Lauren Murphy says
I was Riley’s fourth grade teacher. What a cool kid he was. He never backed down from trying everything…especially any games being played on the playground.
My thoughts are with his family.
Kevin says
Ron & Nina, our condolences! Riley was a wonderful person! He will be missed! We are here for you if you anything at all! Love, Kevin and Eva Fournier
Kathi Lytle Bare says
Ron, Nina & family, I am shocked and sadden to learn of Riley’s passing. When I first met him he had some crazy t-shirt on & I knew immediately I liked this guy. I has always been a joy to see him at Canyon Ferry with his amazing family. I will always remember our last dance together at the Highlander. Please accept my heart felt sympathy and prayers.
Kathi Lytle Bare says
kbare59602@gmail.com
Manley and Jeannine Stallings says
Ron and family; so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Sounds like he was amazing and that he had amazing parents as well. We are sure that Gus and Inge were right there to greet him when he crossed over. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to you all as well as all our love.
Manley and Jeannine Stallings
Margarita Gelman says
Riley was a brilliant conversationalist, witty and quick. He was like a beacon of light in that he was calm and hopeful in the face of adversity. I think about him all the time. He’ll probably be a giant of a man in heaven.
With much love,
Aunt Magu
Kevin Bartsch says
Ron, Nina and Herrera family- Very sorry to hear of Riley’s passing. What a fighter he was. Nothing was too easy but the times I met him, he was such an engaging personality that left his mark on you. Treasure his memory. Take care. Kevin Bartsch
Janna Kroll says
There’s nothing more painful than losing a child. So very sorry for such a tremendous loss. Prayers of strength as you navigate through this. Hugs…Janna, Dan, Kaitlin and Hanna Kroll💜
Marcia and Bill Gray says
We were saddened to learn of Riley’s passing. May you frequently remember and enjoy the many positive times you have shared with Riley. Wishing your family strength and peace.
JoAnn Gilman says
We are so sorry for your loss. We have lots of fond memories with Riley, living across the street from you in the 90’s ❤️. Sending love & strength to you all.
Love The Gilman Family
Jasmyne Ness says
Nina, Lexi and Ron,
I am beyond saddened to hear about Riley. He was an amazing man with a beautiful soul and I enjoyed spending time with Riley and Lexi. My family and I are sending you prayers and love during this hard time.
Sally Nyland says
Ron, Nina and Lexi,
I was very sorry to learn of Riley’s passing. I will always remember his beautiful smile among his other amazing qualities. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Riley, you put up a good fight and now it’s time to rest in Peace.
Kirsten Bogard says
I’m sorry for this loss. I knew Riley. We were in Kindergarten together. Things came up and I ended up in class with Lexie. Riley truly lived life to the fullest. In thus difficult time it’s nice to have the fond memories you build over the years. May his soul rest in peace.
Tim O'Leary says
Ron, Nina and family,
My heart goes out to you all in this difficult time. May you find healing in the fond memories you share of Riley. Peace to you all
Dianne DeMille says
It was a great pleasure to meet this young man. He was so inspiring to many. I am enjoying the art of writing his story with his mother.
Rick & Jen Ahmann says
Nina and Ron,
Jen and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know how much we treasure the time this past summer when we were able to just stop and visit with all of you at On Broadway. Riley was so engaging, tenacious and full of life! He treasured people and moments like we all should. He was all about everyone else. Through adversity and challenge, he showed how to truly live. Knowing your family, I’m sure he is reflection of the love you poured out into him every day of his life. Thanks for the example you all are. May memories keep the distance short. May friends be close in your time of need. May his life continue to inspire you and others. May Riley rest in peace.