LaVonne Riley 1931-2016
Lavonne M. Riley, 85, Holton, died Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016, at Medicalodges Jackson County.
She was born June 16, 1931, in Iola, the daughter of Arthur Edmund and Elizabeth Whipps Starr. She graduated from Welda High School in 1949 and graduated from Kansas State University in 1953 with a bachelor of science degree.
Mrs. Riley taught home economics and chemistry in Fredonia, Arma and Sylvan Grove schools. She later worked for Eubanks Custom Woodworks as a kitchen cabinet designer and was later Director of Child Care Food Program for NEK-CAP in Hiawatha, retiring in 1990. After retirement, she was a national inspector for Head Start programs.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Ruth Circle, President of United Methodist Women and a delegate to the Kansas East Conference. She was also a former member of Holton Business Women, Holton Country Club, Extension Homemaker Unit, Holton Garden Club, served on the Kansas Library Board and was a Girl Scout Leader. She and her husband were founding members of the Heartland R.S. Prussia Collectors Club.
She married Claron “C.L.” Riley on Aug. 8, 1954, in Welda. He survives.
Other survivors include a daughter, Erin C. Duncan and husband Stewart, Westmoreland; a son, Shawn D. Riley and wife Jennalee, Holton; a brother, Lowell Starr and wife Peggy, Fredericksburg, Va.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will be held at a later date in Holton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Beck-Bookman Library or First United Methodist Church, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.
