Nancy Riley

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful departure of Nancy Lee Riley on February 15th, 2024. This shining light, born in Bedford, Ohio on February 26th, 1941 to the late Joseph and Wilhelmina Mayher, spent her life enriching the lives of others. As J.K. Rowling once wrote, “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” Nancy’s life was a testament to this truth.She is survived by her daughter Doreen and her husband Bill, daughter Darlene and her husband Al.Grandchildren: Autumn, Kasey (Christopher), Elizabeth, Kristen (Nick), Nicolette, Cody, Melanie. Leila and Wiley. Great Grandchildren: Aiden, Zachary, Peyton, Odin, Landon, Logan, Eleanor and Kain. Nancy did a lot of amazing things in her life. Her work experiences became her life. Some of her work experiences were a Grocery store cashier, JCPenney cosmetic consultant, Director of KinderCare Preschool, and Area Director for American Creative Schools which she helped incorporate the development of the 1st and 2nd grades into the school. During this time she also opened a Photography Studio in Hickory, NC where her photos were displayed in Schools and businesses. Nancy’s time in cosmetology included her photo being featured in newspapers and salons. She loved to fly and took lessons to work toward a pilot license. Nancy’s very best friend since her early school days was Mary Ann Galewood. Along with Mary Ann’s husband Bill, they enjoyed a special friendship throughout their lives. Mary Ann became the Godmother to Nancy’s daughters. Her greatest treasure, however, was her two daughters, Doreen Bishop and Darlene Luchterhand. Nancy’s love for her daughters was boundless and unwavering. They were her world, and she was theirs. Her legacy lives on in them and in the many stories they have to tell of their extraordinary mother. As Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Nancy’s memory will live on in the hearts of her daughters and those who were fortunate enough to know her. Married to Joseph Alicastro for 20 years, Nancy showed her care and respect by befriending his other relationships after their time together. Cheryl and Candy became very good friends with Nancy and respected her as a person. Moving to Las Vegas in the 80’s, Nancy became a VIP slot host at the Paris Hotel and Casino. She met and became close friends with many celebrities and gave them wonderful times during their stay in Vegas. Nancy got Mohammad Ali’s Boxing gloves, had several lovely encounters with Natalie Cole, and spent time with Kathy Griffin. Nancy entertained various high rollers from around the world and was able to travel to various locations with their friendship. Nancy spent most of her life in Las Vegas, Nevada, where for 45 years, she was a beloved figure in the community. Her vivacious personality, infectious laughter, and unwavering determination made her a favorite among colleagues and patrons alike at the Paris Hotel and Casino. As an Executive Slot Host, Nancy was not just a cog in the machine, but the high-spirited heart of the operation. She possessed the unique ability to turn a stranger into a friend, and a friend into family, making everyone she encountered feel like a VIP. Many will remember her for her exceptional ability to remember names and faces, a skill that made everyone she met feel special and cherished.Nancy’s favorite pastimes were playing bingo, poker slots, shopping for antiques and books, walking around thrift stores, listening to music, watching movies, and listening to book CD’s. She loved collecting antique metal thunderbird cars and photographs of famous people. Nancy’s preferred ride was the corvette. She was an excellent cook. Her potato salad and home fries were the best. She was also famous for her delicious German rouladen and Italian cookies, Nancy also couldn’t stay away from Lays potato chips. Nancy enjoyed her grandchildren and shared quality time with them. She taught them how to read and swim. She loved to go shopping with them and buy them wonderful items. Nancy loved to take them to the park, play with her car collection, taught them how to make potato salad and rouladen and her other favorite foods. She also shared her love of music with them. She was known as white Grammy because of her white hair which she had since the 1960’s. Nancy had great relationships and love for her pets. We start with Mr. Chips, a mischievous little cat that began her love for pets. Next came Annie, a very active mini collie that kept Nancy comfortable. Last there was Ozzie, a yippy dog that followed her everywhere. Nancy’s life was a symphony of love, laughter, and generosity. We invite all who knew her to share their memories and photos on her memorial page, to celebrate the remarkable life she led and the indelible impressions she left on all our hearts.