Iona J. Risley

Iona J. Risley, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, on March 18, 1929, to the late Walter C. and Loretta Weekley. Iona graduated from Alliance High School and continued her education at National Beauty College, where she graduated in 1968.

Throughout her life, Iona enjoyed a diverse and fulfilling career. She worked as a color technician for L'Oreal and spent more than 25 years in shipping at Ekco House Wares. She later attended Hickson School of Floral Design and went on to own and operate Freshley Floral. Iona also served as a zoning inspector for Lexington Township for 11 years and later worked for workers' compensation attorneys.

Iona was a woman of many interests. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, the Elks Lodge, and the Tennessee Walking Horse Club, where she enjoyed showing horses. She served as the lead of AFLCIO American Steel Workers Union. She was also a licensed airplane pilot and a member of the Pilots Association. Her love of aviation was especially meaningful to her, and she was proud to own her own airplane. Iona was one of the first women to fly across the Atlantic, something she was very proud of.

Iona was blessed to find love and married Edwin Risley on August 5, 1972. Together, they shared more than 36 wonderful years before his passing on October 7, 2008.

In addition to her parents, Iona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin; her son, Robert E. Goshorn Jr.; her daughters, Darlene Schellenberger and Joyce Vickers; her brother, John A. Diettrich; and sister, Judy Donalson.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Cindy Hartshorne of Hartville and Diana (Tony) Kindler of North Canton; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; great-great grandchildren; brother, Robert Weekley; son-in-law, Terry Vickers; as well as many other family members and dear friends.

Family and friends may visit at Cassady Turkle Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Avenue, Alliance, Ohio 44601, on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Iona's funeral service will begin at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Anthony Kindler officiating. She will then be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at Alliance City Cemetery.