Sondra "Soni" Lee Riley

Sondra "Soni" L. Riley, 83, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home, Thursday, October 22, 2026, with family by her side.

Soni was born in Sioux Falls, SD to Gene and Dorothy Miller on October 28, 1942. She grew up in Aberdeen, SD until her family moved to Grand Forks, ND in 1955. She graduated from Grand Forks Central in 1960. Soni attended the University of North Dakota for a short time followed by Aaker's Business College. She also worked as a Nurse's aide and at the Boy Scout Office.

Soni met her husband, Jim, while he was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. They were married on September 4, 1965. Jim's 21 years in the Air Force led them to live in various places until they settled at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in the early 1970s. Then they moved to Grand Forks in 1976.

Soni worked as a Tupperware Manager for over 30 years, and she really enjoyed hosting Tupperware parties, interacting with people, and traveling to different Tupperware functions or trips over the years. She was close with her fellow Tupperware managers and made precious long-lasting friendships with many of them.

Soni was very close with her parents and enjoyed gardening and attending craft shows with her mother. Growing up in Grand Forks, she attended baseball games with her dad and learned how to score them. She was a member of the Knothole Gang for the Grand Forks Chiefs.

As a mom, she treasured supporting her children by attending sporting events whether it was basketball or baseball. She attended many UND Sioux Men's and Women's Basketball Games with her family. Soni then became a diehard Fighting Sioux Hockey fan for at least the last 15 years. She shared this love with her daughters Deb and Kim and many of her grandchildren. As a result, she would most likely be wearing a Fighting Sioux sweatshirt any time you saw her.

She had two long-time favorite restaurants, Royal Fork and Ground Round. Going to Royal Fork was a tradition she enjoyed with her parents and family over the years. Our family continued going there until it closed. Ground Round then became her favorite place to eat for the next 17 years. It became our home away from home, and she would have gone there every day if it was up to her.

Soni is survived by her loving husband Jim Riley, sons Jim (Marie) Riley and Craig (Peggy) Riley, daughters Deb Riley and Kim Riley; seven grandchildren: Kendra (Brendan) Harberts, Kaylee Riley, Arianna Riley

(Connor Nikolaus), Joseph Riley, Anthony (Michelle) Sigette, Vanessa (Cole) Jerome, and Matt (Kelsey) Sigette. She had a sister Sharie (Al) Behling, nieces Linda Johnson, Nancy Behling, and nephew Tim (Heather) Behling. She had 10 great grandchildren.

Soni was preceded in death by her parents, and her in-laws Minyard and Nellie Riley.

The family of Soni Riley wishes to extend our sincere thanks to HIA Hospice, especially CNA Cindy, with whom she had a special bond. Respite worker turned dear friend, Henriette, the staff at Valley Senior Living, and Cornerstone aide Lucine (Luke). In addition, sincere thanks to her Tupperware Family.

Visitation with the family will take place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 1:00-2:00pm at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, ND.

A service to remember and celebrate Soni's life will follow at 2:00pm at this location. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the service.

A private family burial will take place at the Fargo National Cemetery in Harwood, ND on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 1:00pm.