Mrs. Barbara Clay Riegle's Obituary
Barbara Chewning Clay Riegle of Opelika, Alabama, passed away on May 26, 2023 at her home.
She was born on August 6, 1935, in Milltown, Alabama, to Martin J. Chewning and Cathryn
Smith Chewning.
Barbara graduated from Camp Hill High School in 1953. Following her graduation, she was
trained as a bookkeeper/accountant. Barbara became the Bursar at Lyman Ward Military
Academy where she worked for 14 years. She then worked at Hi Pack in Opelika, Alabama for
several years and finally at Dyas Chevrolet Oldsmobile Cadillac Toyota Nissan Dealership for 19
½ years where she was the Chief Financial Officer.
After her years of working outside the home, Barbara retired to their Lake Martin home and
enjoyed lake life, her family, friends, and gardening. She was an avid Gardner, spending much
time in her flower and vegetable gardens. Barbara loved sharing her flowers and
gardening tips with everyone. Her beautiful flowers and bountiful gardens brought happiness
to many. During her retirement, Barbara was very involved with her Christian Family at Sardis
United Methodist Church, where for many years she was an active member of the Leaning
Pines Sunday School Class and as the Chairperson of the Finance Committee. She was also active
in the Union Volunteer Fire and Rescue Organization and the Tallapoosa County Historical
Association.
Barbara was a vibrant, outgoing person who knew many of the residence from Lee and
surrounding counties. She was comfortable with talking with anyone, and had a special
knack for saying kind and encouraging words to anyone she met. An accurate way to describe
her is to say that she was a lovely, genuine Christian lady who loved her Lord Jesus Christ, her
Church, her family, and friends, and was a gracious asset to this earthly world.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Robert (Bob) M. Riegle; children, Mimi
Elizabeth Glisson, Ann Clay Gordon (Rusty), William H. Clay (Susan), David K. Clay (Sandra),
Karen R. Boyd, and Mary R. Grider (David); sister Jane Chewning Carney (Bill); brother, Mac
Huey (Sharon); grandchildren, Cathryn G. Olin (Greg), Michael C. Glisson, Melinda Pauley
(Justin), Blake Gordon, Dana Gordon, Stephen Clay, Robert Clay, Todd Clay, Joseph Boyd
(Natalie), Rachel Sidoti (Andrew), Benjamin (Ben) Grider; seven adorable great grandchildren;
numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of dear sweet friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry King Clay; sister, Patricia (Pat) Chewning
Shinaberger; brother, James M. Chewning; and her parents, Martin J. Chewning and Cathryn
Smith Chewning
The family wishes to thank all the nurses, doctors, and caregivers with EAMC, Spencer Cancer
Center, HomeCare Health, and Enhabit Hospice for all their loving and gentle kindness and for
helping Mom and family through the very difficult days.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Sardis Methodist Church, Highway 50,
Dadeville, Al. with burial to follow at Tallapoosa Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at
Sardis Methodist Church 12:30 - 1:30 pm prior to the service. The Reverend Stephen King will be
officiating.
The family ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to your favorite organization or to the
Sardis Methodist Church, in care of Louise Ramsey, at PO Box 1162 Notasulga Al. 36866.
What’s your fondest memory of Barbara?
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Share a story where Barbara's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Barbara you’ll never forget.
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