A celebration of life for Adene Marthel Riley, 71, will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 at the First State Bank Conference Center in Wheatland. The family asks you to please bring your favorite Adene story to share.
Adene Riley passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at Central Wyoming Hospice Home in Casper.
Adene was born on Thursday, June 9, 1955 the daughter of Richard “Dick” and Barbara Frances (Lockett) Riley in Wheatland. Growing up on a ranch near Albany Peak, Adene started her education attending rural ranch schools and later transferred to public school in Wheatland. She graduated from Wheatland High school in 1973.
Working on the family ranch, Adene raised cattle, hosted rodeos with her family, led pack trips, and guided hunters. She was known for having a 16’ tepee that she used on pack trips and while attending pre-1840 rendezvous events. Adene also held jobs as a waitress and construction flagger. In 1990 while flagging a construction job in the Big Horn Mountains, she met Randy Kusma. They were married in 1992 and purchased the family ranch in 1993. Together they continued to raise cattle until her passing.
Adene loved animals and it was obvious to those around her that animals of all kinds regularly sought her out when they needed help. She was an excellent cook, full of life and always up for hosting a visit. She was a master-class storyteller and an irreplaceable source of local history and traditional knowledge.
Adene was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara F. Riley in 1992, and father, Richard “Dick” Riley in 2008.
She is survived by her brother, Richard “Rick” Riley, and sister, Barbara “Beah” (Riley) Loucks.
Donations in Adene’s memory should be sent to support local animal welfare organizations of your choice.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com .
