Cynthia 'Cookie' Riech, 72

Cynthia Lea Riech, affectionately known by family and friends as Cookie, passed away at her home in Plains Friday, Oct. 4, after a long battle with cancer. She was 72 years old.

Cookie was born in Missoula, Montana, to Charles and Ruby Porter. She grew up in Paradise and graduated from Plains High School. After receiving nursing training, she worked as an LPN.

In 1967, she married Kenneth Riech. Together they raised one son, Jason, and two daughters, Wendy and Heidi. Cookie was a wonderful wife and the best, most loving mother anyone could ask for.

Cookie is best remembered for her kind and caring treatment of other people. She always put others interests before her own. After studying the Bible for several years, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

She remained very active teaching people about the things that she learned right up until her final days. Serving God in this way was the main focus of her life.

Cookie was preceded in death by her father, Charles Porter; her mother, Ruby Porter; her brother, Charles Porter Jr.; and two sisters, Patsy Marsh and Sandra Palaniuk.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ken Riech; a son, Jason Riech; two daughters and their spouses, Wendy and Matt Young, Heidi and Wes McGraw; two brothers and their spouses, Bob and Rose Porter, Kerry and Sharon Porter; a granddaughter, Randi Brossman; and two grandsons, Colton McGraw and Jakob Young.