Conelius Riley

Conelious Valliee Riley, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on October 22, 2026. She was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, on February 15, 1948. She spent her formative years in Newkirk, Oklahoma, where she graduated from Newkirk High School in 1966. Her journey through life was marked by her unwavering dedication to helping others. She began her career as an assistant nurse at Winfield State Hospital, where her compassion flourished for six years before she moved to Oklahoma City to work as an operator for Southwestern Bell. Upon returning to Newkirk, she took up the role at the Newkirk Co-Op, earning the affectionate nickname "Co-Op Connie." Through her work, she served local farmers and ranchers, forming lasting friendships and connections within the community. In September 1987, Connie married her beloved husband, Carl Riley, with whom she shared a home in Arkansas City, Kansas. They returned to Newkirk, where she brought her warmth and kindness to the local school system as a special needs paraprofessional and teacher's assistant, work she cherished deeply until her retirement. Her love for her coworkers and the children she supported is a testament to the nurturing spirit that defined her life. Beyond her professional accomplishments she poured her heart into her family. She took great joy in maintaining a tidy home, where she loved to entertain family and friends. Her passion for gardening and her knack for rearranging her house brought her immense satisfaction. She cherished spending time with her family and grandchildren.She is survived by her husband, Carl Riley; her sons, Vernon Brooks and wife, Julie, of Lawrence, Kansas; Rochelle Riley and wife, Talisha, of St. Louis, Missouri; and Scott Riley of Denver, Colorado; her daughter, Alvernia Brooks, of Valley Falls, Kansas. She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Bree Kiser, Corbin Riley, and Taylor Coleman; her great-grandchildren Lyric and Zeplynn; her sister-in-law, Lynn Abbott, her niece, Alicia Abbott; and her countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Authur and Alvernia Davidson; her sister Hattie Brown; her brother Ricardo Abbott; her daughter Phyllis Brooks Biggie; and her grandson Keenen Brooks.Celebration of life services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday November 7th, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Newkirk, OK with Pastor Joshua Chappell officiating.