Riley Sermeno

August 25, 1943 - December 9, 2020

RILEY SERMENO, 77 of Ogallala, passed away December 9, 2020, at Great Plains Health in North Platte. Riley was born August 25, 1943, at Azadon, Texas, to Faustino and Adela (Cardenas) Sermeno. The family eventually moved to Scottsbluff, where Riley graduated from high school in 1962. On September 26, 1964, Riley married Patsy Estrada in Julesburg, Colorado. Their union was blessed with two sons, Brian and Jason. After making their home briefly in Scottsbluff, the couple moved to Ogallala, where Riley began work at Hoke's Cafe, working as the fry cook. In time, Riley came to manage the restaurant, which he did for a few years before purchasing the business in 1980. He and Patsy faithfully operated Hoke's for many years, with Patsy working the front and Riley in the back. The couple retired and sold the business in 2012. Riley had a great appreciation for cars and motorcycles, which was the impetus for him organizing the Rod Run in Ogallala, which he directed for over twenty years. Riley made many friends who shared his passion for cars and bikes over the years through that event. Riley had a great sense of humor that, at times, went unfiltered, which would often elicit an elbow or a look from his wife, Patsy. The two were a tandem in most everything they did. Where you saw Patsy, it was nearly certain that Riley would soon follow. They were an excellent team in all their endeavors. When a person encountered Riley, they didn't often leave without some form of witness to the faith that he held in Jesus. Whether Riley was singing, working, or met you in passing, he wasn't afraid to share the source of his contentment and hope. Riley was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Adam Benavidez; and siblings, John, Mary, and Ishmael. Survivors include his wife, Patsy of Ogallala; sons, Brian (Carrie) Sermeno of Seward, Jason (Crystal) Sermeno of North Platte; four grandchildren, Kaleb (Lissete) Sermeno, Selena (Marcus) McMeekin, Katie (Hinwa) Allieu, and Isabel Sermeno; a great-grandson, Aaron Sermeno; siblings, Jenny (Myles) McNicholas of Denver, Naomi (Don) Powers of Sun Lake, AZ; along with many other relatives and friends. A memorial has been established in Riley's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. Services will be streamed live at ogallalanewhope.com. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at 10 a.m. at New Hope Church in Ogallala with Pastors Eric Wait and Matt Waitley officiating. Inurnment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. Please feel free to bring your hot rod or motorcycle to the service as a special way to honor Riley. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.