It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Riata Remund (Snuggs, Little Sis, Tots, Rita, Lata, Ratata, Aunt Riata) announces Riata’s passing on Aug. 19, 2026, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, after succumbing to injuries sustained from an automobile accident west of Arcadia on Aug. 16. Riata’s wealth of friends and family were evident in the organ donor Honor Walks at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and Bergan Mercy, where hundreds of people celebrated Riata’s prior decision to be an organ donor.

Riata Dawn Remund was welcomed home following her birth on March 12, 2007, by her 13-month-old brother, Rio Don Remund. With similar names, similar ages, similar looks, and similar interests, the pair would grow from dueling siblings to best friends. Scott and Holly remained in Huron, South Dakota, following the birth of Rio and Riata until it was time for Rio to start kindergarten. With Holly as the lifelong goodwill ambassador for Arnold, Nebraska, there was no better place than Arnold for the kids to go to school, and as was well-known, Scott couldn’t say no to Holly (or Riata). A year later, Riata started school in Arnold, where she began a 13-year journey with her classmates, who became her close friends.

Arnold delivered Riata exactly what Holly expected - many opportunities for activities and character development - with Riata participating in speech, where she was part of the oral interpretation of drama state championship team and was also part of the state runner-up duet acting team. One state speech judge said Riata was the shining star of the group, that she “couldn’t take [her] eyes off [Riata]” because she brought so much humor to her role. She also participated in One Act Play Production (threetime state champion). Riata qualified for the national air rifle competition, where she competed in .22 rifle. Other activities: Western Riders 4-H Club president; National Honor Society; Junior Chamber; Schoolhouse Graphics; Book Club; Art Club; senior girls Bible study; volleyball; and track and field. As the designated “class organizer,” chief supporter of Arnold, and friend to everyone, it was no surprise that Riata was voted Homecoming Queen.

Arnold also gave Riata an opportunity to become involved in a small church, Arnold United Methodist Church, where she was an enthusiastic member who carefully studied her Bible and took meticulous notes that would guide her character. The teachers and coaches at Arnold and South Loup imparted on her encouragement, confidence, skills, and support. There is no other 19-year-old kid in Nebraska who was more enthusiastic for their hometown than Riata.

Riata’s work ethic, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit thrived as she advanced through high school. She loved riding her horse, branding cattle, and living in the country on her family’s ranch. Riata increasingly leaned into her creative side and began her journey as a stylist and photographer. While in high school, she started her photography business, Captured by Riata, shooting senior pictures, weddings, and family portraits.

Riata graduated with the Arnold class of 2025 and weeks later entered the College of Hair Design in Lincoln. Riata was awarded the 2026 Stylist of the Year from CHD. Riata worked hard at her classes, leaving Arnold only because it was required to put her on the path to owning her own salon. But she never really left, traveling back to Arnold or across the Midwest to see her siblings, nieces, and nephews every weekend but one while she attended CHD.

Graduating from the CHD on July 14, 2026, Riata immediately opened her own salon in Arnold. While her skills would have allowed her to get a position in many locations, there really was no decision to make – she was absolutely committed to serving the Arnold area. The Buckskin Brunette Salon and Boutique was already a hotspot for younger girls in the area, known collectively as Riata’s Posse. The girls idolized Riata and looked to her for mentorship and style tips, and the parents were extremely grateful for the positive role model that Riata was. Riata will be sorely missed in Arnold, both because she was such a kind and giving friend, and also because Arnold’s hairstyles won’t be nearly as fashion-forward.

Riata lost her beloved father after his four-year cancer battle ended on Oct. 7, 2022. She was her dad’s weak spot, and he was her rock. Riata’s siblings gripe that Scott cooked whatever Riata wanted to eat, and that she got away with things that no one else ever did. We know they are together again.

Riata lives on not only through those who received her life-giving organ donations, but also in so many who adored her.

Riata lives especially in her mother, Holly Remund, whom she called “my ultimate inspiration.” When Riata was asked about starting her business, she said, “When someone asked how I’m so confident that I’ll succeed with everything at a young age, I’ve never second-guessed being able to accomplish anything I want to because of my mom.” Holly looked forward to working alongside Riata, whether it be as the head speech coach, assistant One Act Play coach, ranch boss, or motel owner. And just as Holly expected, Riata was on the cusp of replacing her as Arnold’s goodwill ambassador.

Other survivors:

• Her brothers, Dr. Tyler (Alyssa) Remund; Paul (Beth) Remund; Rio Remund; and sister Emily (Lance) Kuehl. Rio recently graduated from infantry basic training in Georgia, and Riata was so desperate to celebrate Rio at his graduation - and not miss the party - that she delayed her graduation from The College of Hair Design by a month.

• Grandparents Jane and Rich Hornung, whose combination of hard work and creativity were clearly evident in Riata.

• Her nieces and nephews: Emry, Andi, Oakley, Peter, Oliver, Adalyn, Austin, Augustine, and Rylan. She absolutely loved being “Aunt Riata.” She was the fun aunt whom they couldn’t wait to visit, the aunt that spent as much time checking in with nieces and nephews as with friends, and the aunt they will miss terribly – our hearts just ache for these precious little people who can find no way to understand what has happened to their beloved Aunt Riata.

• Cousins: Sawyer (Lily) Scherr; Seneca (Maddy) Scherr; Sadie Hornung-Scherr; Rayce Hornung-Relka; Ada and Mae Hornung; Syler and Mya Sennett; Scout and Grey Schroer; and Ann, Michael, Jennifer, Mark, and Marie McLaughlin. Riata was one of the fashionable, feisty, and formidable female family members who are an astonishing cohort of talent and confidence. Her absence from this group will leave a hole that can’t be filled;

• Aunts and uncles: Julie (John) McLaughlin; Lynn Remund; Susan Remund; Mary Remund; David Remund; Heidi (Joe) Hornung-Scherr; Sam (Holly) Sennett; Adam (Nicole) Hornung; and Heather (Kyle) Schroer who will surround Holly, Tyler, Paul, Emily, and Rio with love and support as they grieve again; and

• Arnold, South Loup, and The College of Hair Design classmates who will try to find peace through the many memories shared with a friend who listened, cared, was quick and firm to stand up for her beliefs, was supportive, and was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

Riata is preceded in death by her father, Scott Remund; and her paternal grandparents, Don and Valeria (Schreiner) Remund.

A funeral service was held on what would have been Scott’s 66th birthday, Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the Arnold Community Center. Scott’s little girl was buried next to him in the Arnold Cemetery.

Memorials to the Arnold Community Foundation to use for entrepreneurial assistance. https://arnoldne. org/arnold-community-foundation-fund/ Through organ donation, Live On Nebraska stated Riata’s gift saved five lives and will help heal as many as 100 people. Just as importantly, Riata’s kindness and positivity will live on in multitudes. Riata’s family strongly encourages others to become organ donors at LiveOnNebraska.org and to celebrate Riata using #RiatasRipple. Let Riata’s decision to be an organ donor inspire you – it just may create the ripple effect!