Rebekah Diane Riley

Rebekah Diane Riley (Becky) was born December 23, 1972, in Independence, Missouri, the daughter of Billy Bob and Cheryl Butler. After a courageous 8-week battle with a merciless illness, Becky entered eternal life on Sunday, February 19, 2023. She was 50.

Becky grew up in a loving family with her little brother, Jeff, in Independence, Missouri and graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1991. She was Jeff’s guiding light. Fun, sporty, and adventurous she spent her summers playing softball on the Baker Shaklee team and working at Oceans of Fun, making friends and engaging in “Best Suntan” contests with her co-workers. One summer, with Billy Bob and Cheryl out of town for the weekend, Becky took full advantage and posted colorful flyers announcing a party on every available space at work with detailed directions and a map to find her and Jeff’s house. As you can easily imagine, it was a big night of spirited teenage fun at the Butler house. Billy Bob and Cheryl were no fools and quickly realized what went on in their absence; a large clue when, upon returning home, they spied the same colorful flyers announcing the party posted throughout their neighborhood. Becky encouraged Jeff to join the cheerleading team at Blue Springs High School, noting what a great fit he would be, and encouraged him further to join her at Northwest Missouri State and cheer for the Bearcats. When Jeff and Stephanie made Becky an aunt, she was incredibly proud and showered Zayden and Chayce with love and affection, cheering them on at their lacrosse, baseball, and soccer games whenever she could.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations from Northwest Missouri State University in 1995, pledging Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority in 1991. It was here, especially, that she made loyal, lifelong friends, serving as President of the Phi Phi chapter. On her watch and under her leadership, the Alphas won “Outstanding Greek Organization”, an award honoring outstanding scholarship, leadership, service, and integrity among the campus’s Greek community. In honor of Northwest’s Greek Week celebration, Becky portrayed Hera in full Greek goddess regalia, including toga, headpiece, sandals, and torch. It was this same spirit of joy, merriment, and continual celebration that made Becky the center and connection of those within her tribe of friends; the common thread in their quilt and the glue which bound them together.

Becky had a successful career in sales, traveled extensively throughout the United States, and earned numerous sales awards and distinctions. She made a name for herself within her profession as driven, independent, innovative, self-sufficient, and a hard worker. She had a soft spot for animals, particularly dogs, and volunteered for animal rescue associations whenever possible. She fretted and worried about the dogs featured on posters or flyers who were lost or missing, using her network of friends to get these pets back home.

Becky was like a bright sunny day; warm, radiant, happy, and a breath of fresh air with a beautiful, irresistible smile. She was a loyal friend, offering unwavering acceptance and genuine concern for those within her circle. She was honest and compassionate and could be counted on, every time, to show up for a friend in need. At coffee dates she brought gifts to her friends – candles, ceramic roosters, or special jars of spices – to show her affection and love for them, making each one feel special. Becky also harbored a playfully mischievous streak, which is why she was the favorite chaperone of her friends’ children or her nephews. If she was called upon to oversee young ones, the children in her charge would enjoy meals of tacos and candy, washed down with all the cupcakes and ice cream they could handle. And if she was left in charge of teenagers, even now there may still be some lingering stories waiting to shake out for their unsuspecting parents.

On March 3, 2022, at 5:00 pm, she became Mrs. Steven Riley in a private ceremony on the beach in Key West, Florida. On their wedding day, Steve treated her to a spa day where she was spoiled and pampered before taking a limo to Smather’s Beach where they exchanged vows. They watched the sunset at Mallory Square, both in full beach wedding attire, and locals and tourists treated them to congratulatory drinks, food, and witty wedding toasts. They capped off their wedding day walking up and down Duval Street enjoying multiple nightclubs, Becky dancing the night away in her wedding dress celebrating an incredibly special day with everyone she met. It was a magical, unforgettable night for two people who waited decades to find one another; Becky waiting 49 years for her perfect life companion. Steve was worth the wait.

Becky and Steve were an ideal match. Together they enjoyed taking their dogs, Stewie and Chuck, on Mule rides through the country roads. They played cards with friends, cheered at Chiefs football games, and went to Kansas City for meals at trendy restaurants and overnight stays. They were weekly regulars at Señor Barrigas in Hamilton, Missouri where the staff greeted them and brought out their standard orders, no menu needed. Each morning Steve made coffee while they watched the sunrise and got caught up on local news or Good Morning America. Before her illness, Becky was excitedly looking ahead to a new job awaiting her at International Travel Associates in West Des Moines, Iowa, making a home with Steve in a new community, and growing old together with her new husband.

Becky is survived by her husband of 11 months, Steve Riley; stepdaughters Meredith (Keegan) Dolinar, Savannah Riley, and Addie Riley; brother Jeffrey (Stephanie) Butler; in-laws, Greg (Jean) Riley, Jeff (Anita) Riley, and Pat (Heather) Riley. She was Aunt Becky to a multitude of nieces and nephews. Additionally, she leaves behind an army of friends, each one a better person for knowing her and blessed to be part of her life. Becky would want us to take care of each other, to give back, and to inspire change using positivity and presence to make an impact in this world.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Billy Bob and Cheryl Butler and in-laws, Lloyd and Evelyn Riley as well as her two fur babies, Vito and Nico.

A visitation for Becky will be held Friday, February 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM at the McGilley & Sheil Chapel, 11924 E. 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64133, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM. Becky was a bright shining light to so many and to honor her sunny disposition, if you are so inclined, family would love to see bright colors fill the room to celebrate her radiant spirit one more time.

Please consider continuing Becky's love for animals by making a memorial contribution in her name to KC Pet Project, https://kcpetproject.org/donate/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.McGilleySheil.com for Becky's family.