Mrs. Riley was born on January 3rd, 1945, in Kansas City, Missouri to Alice Leota Gray and Arthur James Watson. She married the love of her life Richard Dean Riley Sr. on September 7th, 1959. She gave birth to three children, Richard Dean Riley Jr. in 1960, Angela Joan (Riley) Buckner in 1961, and Rose Ann (Riley) Brancato in 1964. Sandy was a hard worker and worked at Central Bag in downtown Kansas City for 14 years. She then obtained a certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant and dedicated 15 years of her life to working with hospice patients.
She held a huge place in her heart for cats and spent a majority of her free time caring for stray cats in her neighborhood. She also donated faithfully to ASPCA of Kansas City for many years and spent many hours volunteering with them. She enjoyed many hobbies such as ceramics, gardening, watching golden girls, and collecting knick-knacks.
Sandy was a devoted grandmother and spent a lot of her time laughing and playing with her nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and always made sure that those around her knew they were loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur James Watson and Alice Leota Gray; her husband of 60 years Richard Dean Riley Sr.; her daughter Angela Joan Buckner; her brother James “Jimmy” Watson and her granddaughter Christina Joan Kudra.
She is survived by her son Richard Dean Riley Jr.; her daughter Rose Ann Brancato; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Sandy will be missed deeply by her friends, family, and all who knew her.
A visitation for Sandy will be held Friday, November 1, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. A celebration of life will occur Friday, November 1, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. An entombment will occur Friday, November 1, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131.
