Sharon Riley

Sharon Ann (Ryan) Riley, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, Jane Phillips Medical Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at the age of 75 after battling a long illness.

Sharon was born on March 22, 1948, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Emmett C. and Dorothy E. (Wagner) Ryan. She grew up in Coffeyville attending Coffeyville schools, graduating from Field Kindley High School in 1966.

On December 28, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Stephen White. They made their home in Coffeyville welcoming two daughters, Stephanie and Shanna. He preceded her in death on December 23, 1976.

From the time her first child was born, she knew her life would revolve around her kids, tending to the home and helping the kids with whatever they needed. Even if it was short notice. Later, Sharon was lucky enough to find another love of her life when she married Nelson K. Riley on May 21, 1982. They made their home in Coffeyville. Sharon was also welcoming to her bonus son, Jonathan, which offset the house full of girls. The couple later welcomed their son, Nick, making the family complete.

Growing up, Sharon enjoyed camping with her parents and sisters, then later sharing that love of camping with her own family. She was an avid bingo player and also enjoyed time at the casinos.

Sharon was a member of several bowling teams and leagues in her earlier years. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary. As the girls were growing up and active in Girl Scouts, Sharon was a Scout Leader for their troops and cookie sales chairperson. She served as vice president and later president of the FKHS Band Boosters and served as PTO room parent.

Sharon owned and operated Lasting Moments Bridal shop in Coffeyville for 8 years. She was a daycare provider for numerous daycare centers and would often watch her nieces and nephews whenever she was asked.

She loved being able to attend all of her grandkids activities and sporting events, cheering on and encouraging grandson Evan Anderson, who lived in Washington, from afar. When Sharon and Nelson could, they enjoyed traveling to Nebraska to see her grandsons, Cutter and Ryder play soccer, basketball, tennis and football, or to Topeka, Kansas to watch her grandson, Colton's wrestling matches or follow his high school football team to their games. She would travel around southeast Kansas to see her granddaughter, Shaydan, cheer or play volleyball. Whenever she could, they would travel to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to watch her granddaughter, Natalie, play basketball. Sharon loved it all and couldn't wait for the next event they were able to attend.

Surviving to honor her memory are her husband, Nelson Riley of the home; daughters, Stephanie (Dave) Anderson of Norfolk, Nebraska, Shanna (Dan) Brown of Coffeyville, Kansas; sons, Jonathan Riley of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Nick Riley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Evan (Mandy) Anderson of Spokane, Washington, Cutter Anderson and Ryder Anderson of Norfolk, Nebraska, Colton and Shaydan Brown of Coffeyville, Kansas, Natalie Riley of Tulsa, Oklahoma; great granddaughter, Adelaide Anderson of Washington; sister Linda (Jerry) Graham of Coffeyville, Kansas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, many extended family and friends.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Dorothy Ryan; her sister, Connie Stevens; first husband, Stephen White; nephew, Randy Vandermark along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Sharon rarely complained and always loved and dedicated her life to those in her circle. She will definitely be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Fellowship Church in Coffeyville, Kansas. Minister Daniel Riley will officiate. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Coffeyville.

Visitation will take place on Friday, April 14, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Visitation with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Grace Fellowship Church in Coffeyville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions can be made to The Journey Home; these may be left with the funeral home or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home 306 N. Cline Rd. Coffeyville, KS 67337.

The family has entrusted arrangements to David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. To leave a condolence for the family online, visit www.dwbfh.com