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Riley Epple-Heath, Miriam K.

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: November 29, 1924 -

Biographical Information

Miriam Kline Riley Epple-Heath is a Purdue University graduate, earning a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1946. While at Purdue, Miriam Kline served as vice president of the Student Union, was a member of Gold Peppers, belonged to the Chi Omega sorority, and joined the Purduettes, a singing group formed by Al Stewart in 1943, becoming one of its early members. As a Purduette, she sang at events during World War II. During an off-campus event where the Purduettes performed, Miriam met visiting naval officer Robert Gaddis Riley at the insistence of Al Stewart, a family friend of the Riley’s. Miriam and Robert married on December 22, 1945 and had four children: Guy Paul Riley, Gail Lorraine Riley, Jane Gaddis Riley, and Joan Kay Riley.

Miriam and Robert inherited the Riley Poultry Farm in West Lafayette from Robert’s parents, Ruth and Paul Riley, and continued the family business. Paul Riley had been a Purdue extension agent and leading poultry breeder in the United States.

Miriam Epple-Heath passed away on September 26, 2023 in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Citation

Bertha Kate Gaddis diaries collection file. Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries. West Lafayette, IN.

Citation

Klink, A. (2011). Divided Paths, Common Ground. Purdue University Press, West Lafayette, IN.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Bertha Kate Gaddis diaries

 Unprocessed — Multiple Containers
Identifier: 2022-047
Dates: 1906-1937, 1945-1946
Found in: Purdue University Archives and Special Collections