Dawn Marie (Riley) Buffum

Dawn Marie Buffum, 63, of Grand Rapids, MI, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, February 13, 2026, due to complications of a heart attack. She was the beloved and beautiful wife of Roger Buffum.

Dawn was born on August 20th, 1962 in Indianapolis, IN to Richard Max Riley and Mary Louise Riley. She graduated from Warren Central High School in 1980. Around 1986 She moved to Florida with her mother, where she raised her daughter Alissa Dawn Glover, born in 1981. They later moved to Grand Rapids where Dawn raised her second daughter Alexandra Marie Burns, born in 1994. She was hired to do administrative work at New Community Church where she was introduced to Roger Buffum by friends and family. It didn’t take long for Dawn to fall head over heels in love. Dawn and Roger were soon married on February 16, 2002. 

Dawn was a very involved mother and grandmother who loved the time she spent with her family. She was a talented artist who enjoyed scrapbooking and hand-crafting gifts that were cherished by her friends and family. Despite overwhelming compliments, she would often downplay her immense talent. She endured a long-term battle with Type 1 Diabetes from age 15, but it didn’t stop her. She was a fighter until the end. Dawn will always be remembered for her effortless beauty, her kind heart, and gentle spirit.

Dawn is preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother Duane Troy Riley. Survived by husband Roger, daughters Alissa and Alexandra, grandson Riley (Jeslyn) Glover, granddaughter Zoe Whitlow, brother Doyne Tracy Riley, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at New Community Church on Saturday, February 21st, 2026 with a visitation at 10:00 A.M. and service at 11:00 A.M. 

Donations to the family to help cover medical and funeral expenses would be greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to New Community Church, designated to the memory of Dawn Buffum, and send to: New Community Church, 2340 Dean Lake Ave NE Grand Rapids MI 49505.

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