Obituary for Eddie Lou Riley
Eddie Lou Riley, age 81, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away November 11, 2023, at her home with her children by her side. Eddie was born December 27, 1941, to Alma Parmelia (Beers) and Edgar Louis Knowles in the rural outskirts of Newton County, MO. She was the third of seven children and, as the only daughter, she learned at an early age to hold her ground and assert her opinion among her six rambunctious brothers.
Eddie graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1959 and went to work for Household Finance and soon after was transferred to Kanas City, Missouri where she met her first husband on a blind date, Gerald Knight (Jerry). Eddie and Jerry were married June 6, 1964, and together raised three boys; Jeff, and twins; Andrew and Michael.
On August 7, 2004, she was united in marriage to her second husband, Charles (Charlie) Riley, in Shawnee, Kansas and was fortunate to gain two stepchildren Lisa Nelson and Charlie Riley. Eddie and Charlie lived on Table Rock Lake near Branson West where numerous friends were made with Eddie volunteering for the senior center performing taxes for needy seniors and working with her husband at the Mickey Gilley Theatre to stay busy.
Applying the management skills learned while growing up with six brothers, Eddie was a devoted mother who instilled excellent values in her sons which helped them to remain an integral part of her life in surrounding Eddie with a loving family of spouses, significant others, and grandchildren. Eddie was the matriarch of the Knight/Riley/Knowles family and had an endearing way of managing any situation in a rigorous but loving manner. Eddie was always ready to dispense a wise opinion along with a smile. Eddie immensely enjoyed family gatherings and time spent with friends. Her hobbies included sewing and stained-glass.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 15 years, Charlie Riley; stepson Charlie Riley; her parents; and three brothers, Jack Knowles (Aleana), Charles Knowles (Dorothy) and Jim Knowles.
She is survived by three sons, Jeff Knight of Shawnee, KS, Andrew Knight (Melanie) of Lenexa, KS; Michael Knight (Jennifer) of Olathe, KS; stepdaughter Lisa Nelson (Tim) of Overland Park, KS; her brothers Dale Knowles (Glenda) of Skiatook, OK, Larry Knowles (Betty Rae) of Red Rock, AZ, and John Knowles (Mary) of Alton, IL; six grandchildren, Jack, Hannah, Hayden, Max, Katherine, and Grace; step grandchildren Aleks Nelson (Jennifer) and Sara Nelson (fiancé Josh); along with many nieces and nephews.
As a beloved grandmother, wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend who always had a smile that could warm any room, she will be deeply missed.
Eddie’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life to be held for family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating the life of Eddie Riley from 6-9 PM on January 26, 2024 at Eagles Landing at Lake Olathe (475 S Wardcliff Dr, Olathe, KS 66061).
Please join us as we celebrate Eddie while enjoying BBQ with a toast at 7:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Community Project - Kansas City 8900 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/give
Eddie graduated from Sarcoxie High School in 1959 and went to work for Household Finance and soon after was transferred to Kanas City, Missouri where she met her first husband on a blind date, Gerald Knight (Jerry). Eddie and Jerry were married June 6, 1964, and together raised three boys; Jeff, and twins; Andrew and Michael.
On August 7, 2004, she was united in marriage to her second husband, Charles (Charlie) Riley, in Shawnee, Kansas and was fortunate to gain two stepchildren Lisa Nelson and Charlie Riley. Eddie and Charlie lived on Table Rock Lake near Branson West where numerous friends were made with Eddie volunteering for the senior center performing taxes for needy seniors and working with her husband at the Mickey Gilley Theatre to stay busy.
Applying the management skills learned while growing up with six brothers, Eddie was a devoted mother who instilled excellent values in her sons which helped them to remain an integral part of her life in surrounding Eddie with a loving family of spouses, significant others, and grandchildren. Eddie was the matriarch of the Knight/Riley/Knowles family and had an endearing way of managing any situation in a rigorous but loving manner. Eddie was always ready to dispense a wise opinion along with a smile. Eddie immensely enjoyed family gatherings and time spent with friends. Her hobbies included sewing and stained-glass.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 15 years, Charlie Riley; stepson Charlie Riley; her parents; and three brothers, Jack Knowles (Aleana), Charles Knowles (Dorothy) and Jim Knowles.
She is survived by three sons, Jeff Knight of Shawnee, KS, Andrew Knight (Melanie) of Lenexa, KS; Michael Knight (Jennifer) of Olathe, KS; stepdaughter Lisa Nelson (Tim) of Overland Park, KS; her brothers Dale Knowles (Glenda) of Skiatook, OK, Larry Knowles (Betty Rae) of Red Rock, AZ, and John Knowles (Mary) of Alton, IL; six grandchildren, Jack, Hannah, Hayden, Max, Katherine, and Grace; step grandchildren Aleks Nelson (Jennifer) and Sara Nelson (fiancé Josh); along with many nieces and nephews.
As a beloved grandmother, wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend who always had a smile that could warm any room, she will be deeply missed.
Eddie’s wishes were to be cremated with a Celebration of Life to be held for family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating the life of Eddie Riley from 6-9 PM on January 26, 2024 at Eagles Landing at Lake Olathe (475 S Wardcliff Dr, Olathe, KS 66061).
Please join us as we celebrate Eddie while enjoying BBQ with a toast at 7:30 PM.
Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Community Project - Kansas City 8900 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. https://www.veteranscommunityproject.org/give