BORN

2005

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Riley Whitelaw Obituary

Whitelaw
Riley Whitelaw
January 20, 2005
June 11, 2022

Riley Whitelaw, 17, of Colorado Springs passed away on June 11, 2022. She was born January 20, 2005 in Colorado Springs and was a student at Air Academy High School. Riley is bigger than any obituary can encompass, with a smile that drew in every person that she encountered. From a very young age, she was wise beyond her years and could easily fit in a room of adults carrying on conversations or kicking back with her friends making goofy videos. A common theme throughout her short but rich life was that she had empathy, patience and compassion towards those around her. She allowed others to be seen, heard or recognized. If you were having a bad day, she had the innate ability to lift you up. She was dedicated, persistent and passionate about everything she endeavored to try. If she was trying something new, she would fully commit without hesitation. Riley was a quiet leader amongst her peers and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those around her. Her passions were artistic in nature, as she loved to draw or paint canvases as well as jam on a guitar. Her art was recognized throughout her life and won many school and local awards. She not only had straight A's throughout her time at Air Academy, but was a member of AAHS Colorguard, worked part-time, and had just began volunteering at the Humane Society and found time to pet sit. Riley inspired others through her art, eclectic taste in music and shining personality. Riley will be profoundly missed by her Mother, Courtenay Whitelaw and Courtenay's significant other of six years Chris Johnson, her grandparents Robert Whitelaw and Pamela Laws, David and Amy Wolkin, her aunt, Kelly Whitelaw, her beloved dog Judy, the rest of her extended family, and her Air Academy High School family. A Funeral service will be held at Woodmen Valley Chapel on Thursday June 23, 2022, at 11:00am. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit the website at Swan-law.com. There has been a gofundme account started to establish a scholarship in honor of Riley at https://gofund.me/a04f6bea

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 19, 2022.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Riley Whitelaw

Not sure what to say?





I will never forget what happened to Riley. This world needs more people like her. I hope the scholarship fund will support others who want to go out and make this world a better place. I am so sorry this happened.

Amy B Ogden

Other

December 31, 2022

I'm in Arizona, never met your daughter, but ever since I heard about her, she's always on my mind, I know today is especially hard, I'm thinking of her and her family. She's beautiful && she's definitely with the angels

Angelica Olsen

Other

December 25, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Elizabeth

Other

August 30, 2022

I saw this on the news this morning and broke my heart
I have children and grandkids So heartbreaking just know there is someone in LASCASSAS TN praying for your family. May the Love and peace that only Jesus can give be with you in this horrible sad time . I will keep praying for peace , comfort and justice .

Nancy Molina Sharber

July 21, 2022

Beautiful young lady...RIP

Cindy Welch

July 20, 2022

There are no words. Please know that our hearts are with you.

Victoria Green

July 19, 2022

To Riley's family:
I am so, so sorry this has happened to Riley and all of you. I remember Riley at Taylor Elem.-- fun, kind, friendly, enthusiastic, respectful, and enjoying music class and her friends. My heart has been so heavy for all of you; you have been and will continue to be in my prayers.

Miss Kristin Robbins, music teacher

June 26, 2022

Roger and Margie Allison

June 25, 2022

We did not have the honor of knowing Riley personally but felt as if we knew her from all the accolades from her maternal Grandparents. She was an exemplary teen who made her loving family so proud. We all feel the pain of her loss.

Rebecca S Schulman

Other

June 23, 2022

My heart breaks for you and your family. Such a tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carolyn Luna

Other

June 23, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are broken and we are grieving with you.

Tony and Nicole

June 23, 2022

Dave and Suzanne Cossaboon

June 23, 2022

Courtany, I´m so very sorry for this tremendous loss. Sending love and prayers.

Tracey Tinsley

June 22, 2022

Dear Courtney I'm so sorry for your loss I'm still stunned at this information. My deepest condolences and sympathies.

Victoria Miera

Friend

June 22, 2022

Jan

June 21, 2022

My Most Sincerest Sympathy reaches out to Your Family today and All Days After. I didn't have the Honor of Meeting Your Amazing Angel! I want to express my Sadness to her family. I send Prayers, Love, and My Condolences. I am heartbroken. Sincerely, A Colorado Springs Native, Cindie Trujillo.

Cindie Trujillo

June 21, 2022

Rest In Peace to an angel, her time was taken far too soon

Sam

June 21, 2022

Please accept our condolences. My husband and I will continue to pray for your family. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.

Alicia Wiseman

Work

June 21, 2022

God's Blessings for your Family during this most difficult time. Eternal rest grant unto Riley oh Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul,and the souls of the faithfully departed, rest in peace. Amen

Robert

June 20, 2022

Laura Hobler Friend of Kelly

June 20, 2022

I'm so sorry for your loss. May God be with you during these trying times.

Jarid Jones

June 20, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. From Houston texas jrgeza

Jorge Espinoza

June 20, 2022

No child should die this way. Go to God, babygirl

Mila

June 20, 2022

There are no words to express our empathy for your sudden loss. This world has a sweet angel now watching over us, but she will never be forgotten. I pray time will ease your pain and suffering.

Anonymously sending love

Other

June 20, 2022

Walgreens Okmulgee,Ok

June 20, 2022

There are no words to console your loss. I am so very, very sorry. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Roberts

Other

June 20, 2022

I am so saddened by what Riley endured and for what this family must now face. Thinking of everyone who loves her, sending condolences from Iowa.

Annette

June 19, 2022

My deepest condolences to her family, you are in our thoughts.

Myriam

Other

June 19, 2022

I read about this tragic story and extend my deepest sympathy to Riley´s family during this difficult time. Sounds like she was an extraordinary human being.

Kimberly

Other

June 19, 2022

My condolences to everyone who loved this beautiful young woman. I'm heartbroken that she was taken from you in such a way, and in a place where she should have been safe. She was failed by people who should have looked out for her, and i'm so sorry. I hope everyone who lost her can someday find peace.

Kayla

June 19, 2022

I was in Walgreens that evening & Riley was working. We chatted & as we did I was thinking what a pretty, sweet girl. I noticed that she stood out from all the other young ones who work there. She seemed to glow. As I left I thought, Lord what a breath of fresh air she is. I was concerned when I saw the police, etc, there that night as I drove by. My neighbor works there & after the news I texted her & told her that I was chatting with Riley & how she really made an impression on me & I hoped she was ok. She told me she was not. My heart broke. Just being in there & interacting with her was hard to believe she was gone.
Mrs. Whitelaw & Family, Riley was truly special & as much as I have been in Walgreens she was never working, but the Lord let me meet her that night & I will never forget her.
As a mom I can't even begin to know your pain. I am praying for all of you. I do believe God is close to those whose hearts are breaking & will be with you every minute as you walk through this.

AM Fischer

June 19, 2022

I heard about her story online and I am so sorry for the lost of this beautiful soul and I send prayers of peace to all who knew this lovely young lady.

Stacy

Other

June 19, 2022

I'm from El Paso, TX and I am so saddened to hear about this tragic story about Ms. Riley. My heartfelt condolences to the Whitelaw family, may they feel everyone's love and prayers. May you all stay strong and stay together during this difficult time. Ms. Riley's life has definitely been felt far and wide. Great people are not remembered by wealth or possessions, they are remembered by their character and how they treated others. May she rest in peace.

Joel Provencio

June 19, 2022

Rest in peace angel.

EM

Other

June 19, 2022

Condolences to the family and anyone who knew her! So very sorry for your loss of this beautiful soul!
We did not know her personally but work for a Walgreens in southern Illinois! We have been thinking about you during this time!

Walgreens in southern Illinois!

Work

June 19, 2022

So sorry for your loss, prayers for peace and comfort to the family

Janie

June 19, 2022

I am so sorry this happened to her.
My heart breaks for her family and friends.

Sandra M

Other

June 19, 2022

Rest In Peace angel

CK

June 18, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss.

Tom Martin

School

June 18, 2022

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

TC

June 18, 2022

Brooke Conlan

June 18, 2022

I did not know Riley or her family but when hearing of her my heart went out to her and family. Riley is an angel now looking down on us. God has a plan for all of us. She will be with you, living forever in your heart. I am praying for her and family. May God bless you and help you get through this and live your life striving to possess the wonderful qualities Riley gave to this world.

Lisa

June 18, 2022

I'm so sorry about your baby! This breaks my heart. Rest in peace beautiful girl.

Khristina

June 18, 2022

Riley,
I didn´t know you but I heard your story online and it broke my heart. You were just a few months younger than me, you should have been graduating high school this year or the next. Words can´t describe how sorry I am. The world has lost an incredible and valuable life. If I had the money to send flowers, I would. I hope this message suffices instead. Rest in peace.

Milo Smith

Other

June 18, 2022

I´m so sorry this happened to you fly high with the Angels

Mary Newell

June 18, 2022

Not fair, not right. So very sad for your loss.

Rob

Other

June 18, 2022

God Bless your family. I pray God give you strength to heal from your loss

Sandy in WV

June 18, 2022

Rest In Peace beautiful girl

Brianna

June 18, 2022

I'm so sorry for your loss.

SP

June 18, 2022

Such a beautiful soul, taken too soon. Fly high honey, I hope to meet you in the next life.

Bree

Other

June 18, 2022

So sorry what happened to you! May your family find peace.

Destiny

June 18, 2022

So, so sorry.
A beautiful obituary for a beautiful person.
Love, N and B.

Nancy and Bill Pugh

June 18, 2022

RIP

DV

June 17, 2022

Julius and Heather Steiner

June 17, 2022

I´m so sorry for your loss. Praying for the family. May the Lord bring you comfort and strength. #justiceforRileyWhitelaw

Deanna P.

June 17, 2022

Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results

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Memorial Events
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Jun

23

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Woodmen Valley Chapel

CO

Funeral services provided by:

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

501 North Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

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