Violet Mae Riano

Violet Mae Riano was born to Nicholas and Zorka Kisin on February 7, 1931 in Richmond, California. She was the second of four children. She was known as “Love” from a very young age, a fitting nickname that lasted her entire life.

Violet spent her early years growing up in Richmond. The family then moved to a farm in Madera where she learned the life of a farmer. After graduating from Madera High School in 1948, Violet moved to Fresno where she took a job at insurance company Shepherd-Knapp-Appleton, Inc.

Her older sister Marian and brother-in-law John Angelich introduced Violet to Cedric Riano, a friend of theirs who was a successful farmer and crop duster pilot from Dinuba. It was love at first sight. They were married on Sunday, September 2, 1956, in Fresno and then honeymooned in Las Vegas for a few days. It was there that Violet met Elvis Presley in the Cloud Nine Lounge at the New Frontier Hotel, a fond memory and autograph she often shared with family and friends. Violet and Cedric were married for 66 years.

Violet loved cooking, baking, and sewing for her family and friends. Lemon meringue pie was her specialty. She also loved to golf, a sport that her husband Cedric introduced her to early in their marriage. She was always “on the go” golfing in several tournaments throughout the state during her life. She was quite skilled at the sport and won numerous first place trophies. Most importantly, she made many close friends while golfing and enjoyed being with them over the years.

Violet and Cedric loved to travel and visited many places including Russia, Spain, Hawaii and Las Vegas. They also loved to cruise and sailed to Alaska, Barbados and Sydney.

Violet was a long time member of the Dinuba Presbyterian Church where she met and shared her faith with many dear friends.

Violet passed away on October 26, 2022 while surrounded by family in her home. She was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas Kisin and Zorka Bishop; and siblings Marian Angelich and Beverly Nystrom.

She is survived by her husband Cedric Riano; brother Larry Kisin; children Russell Riano, Steve Riano and Lori Riano; grandchildren Victoria Riano, Nicholas Riano, Connor Riano, Jill Chanley and Griffin Chanley. She is also survived by nieces Dawn Angelich, Kim Geist and Kelly Ward.

To view the Live Stream of Violets Memorial Service please follow the link below:

https://my.gather.app/remember/violet-riano