Gabriel Riojas

Gabe, surrounded by his family, joined his three brothers and sister in heaven June 15, 2015. He was born February 27, 1943, one of sixteen children, to Antonio and Louisa Riojas. Raised and attended school in Laurel, MT he found great passion in fishing and exploring the Yellowstone River.

October 20th, 1967 he married Yvonne Neill. Together they had four daughters. He greeted each of them with a nod, a smile, and his famous "Hey Girl!" He enjoyed telling and listening to stories with his daughters. His hunger for knowledge led him to his final question "How far is Heaven?"

He later moved to Dillon, MT where he was reunited with Lorena Eldridge Ballard. Together they enjoyed the retired life, cooking, collecting, and taking care of each other for over 20 years.

Surviving Gabriel are his four daughters, Wendy, Stormi, Taryn and Tarla. Grandchildren Jess, Terra, Tariq, Taliyah, Skye, Solana, Cruz, Tayson, and Aciano. His great grandchild Andreyas. He is also survived by Myron, Harley, and Julie. Grandchildren Lashona, Travis, Vanessa, Brandon, Braxton and many great grandchildren. His brother's Jose, Marcos (Roz), Valentino (Vickie), and Danny (Cindy). His sisters Mary (Ed), Juanita, Julia, Susan (Rocky), Bella (Chaz), Sandy and Martha. He is preceded in death by his mother Louisa and father Antonio, his brothers Ramon, Matias, and Antonio, and his sister Regina, brother in law Pastor Joe, niece Maria, nephew Jerry, and great nephew Diego.

Interment with military honors is at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 19, 2015 at Yellowstone National Cemetery.

Dad, your contagious laugh will forever echo in our hearts.