Joan E. Riley

Joan Elaine Riley, 84, of Independence, MO passed away at home surrounded by close family members on January 17, 2016. Visitation 9am Thurs., January 21, 2016 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (10109 E. Lexington Ave., Indep.) with rosary recited at 10am and Mass of Christian Burial immediately following. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, N. Kansas City, MO.

Joan was born June 19, 1932 in Camden, New Jersey to John Edward & Mary Elizabeth Gray, who were from San Diego, CA. She was a loving wife, mother & grandmother. Joan was a former member of the National Parliamentarian Association and enjoyed politics. Her hobbies included playing bridge, reading & spending time with her family.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings, Robert “Bob” Gray of Atlanta, GA, William “Bill” Gray of Oceanside, CA & Cheryl Ann Parks of San Diego, CA and her son, John Edward Riley of San Diego, CA. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Donald “Don” Riley; her children, Dona Gibbons of Blue Springs, MO, Barbara Crites of Smithville, MO & Deborah riley Riggs of Independence, MO; 8 grandchildren, Lee Gibbons, Nicole Field, Renee Martin, Cassandra Richmond, John Paul Riley, Erin Fitzgibbon, Alexander Riley & Summer Riggs as 12 great grandchildren, Michael Rivera, Regis Gibbons, Ari Gibbons, Madison Jolly, Aiden Jolly, Sophia Fitzgibbon, Rylee Fitzgibbon, Hailey Richmond, Wyatt Richmond, Isabel Riley & Makayla Riley.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Fr. Bernard Branson, Sister Josephine Boyles OFS & Crossroads Hospice Center for their support in Joan’s final days.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 10109 E. Lexington Ave., Independence, MO. Online condolences to www.mcgilleysheil.com. Arr: McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64133, 816-353-6555.