1925 - 2013
Idessa Isabell Riley, 87 of Lawrence, passed away on January 5, 2013 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born on April 22, 1925 in Topeka, KS to James and Margaret (Hockett) DeMoss and spent her childhood in Fort Scott, KS.
She was married to Isaac K. Riley, Jr. for over 50 years. Preceding her in death was her husband Isaac; sister, Aurora Logan; four brothers, Roland DeMoss, George DeMoss, Ralph DeMoss and Cornelius Aldridge.
Idessa graduated from the Topeka School of Public Nursing with a LPN degree in 1960; in 1970 she received her Associates Degree in Nursing from Butler County Community College and in 1981 obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Baker University.
Idessa was a longtime Nursing Supervisor at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was a member of Ninth Street Missionary Baptist Church and also volunteered with Meals on Wheels.
Survivors include two sons, Dennis D. Riley and Douglas I. Riley (Alfreda), both of Lawrence; two daughters, Donita P. Riley, Los Angeles, CA and Kimberly R. Washington (Vindell), Baton Rouge, LA; four sisters, Gladys Rennels, Leona Mullins, Alta Cummings and Hazel Moore; ten Grandchildren, Laurie Logan, Monica Barfield, Adrian Riley, Dustin Riley, Aphton Riley, Kendall Riley, Kristine Karvonen, Kayla Karvonen, Taylor Washington and Riley Washington; five Great-Grandchildren, Kaylee Riley, Ashlyn-Jordyn Barfield, Isaiah Logan, Treye Logan and Dustin Riley, Jr.; nieces, nephews, cousins and faithful friends.
The family will greet family and friends on Friday, January 11, 2013 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Mortuary.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery
Guestbook Entries
Date: Jan 13, 2013
Name: Renee Holl
Entry: My condolences at your loss. I am very fortunate to have known Idessa and worked with her for many years. Her smile and friendship will be remembered. My your memories of her comfort you all.
Date: Jan 10, 2013
Name: Teresa Clounch
Entry: It was in 2000 when I found out I had more cousins in Lawrence, Kansas. It is during these times we put our trust in God and help our family members through such difficult times. Please know that you are all in my prayers. Doug, Freda, Aphton and Alta, let me know if I can do anything.
God Bless,
Naomi, Eugene, Teresa and Gena Clounch/Paul and Rodney Graham
Date: Jan 10, 2013
Name: Easter Bond
Entry: Doug, Freda, Aphton, Kendall and family..my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Jan 10, 2013
Name: Easter Bond
Entry: Doug, Freda, Aphton, Kendall and family..my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Jan 10, 2013
Name: Steve & Monica Gutierrez
Entry: We are saddened by your loss and the loss of a true friend and mentor! Our prayers are with you.
Date: Jan 10, 2013
Name: Barbara Goelman
Entry: Donita & Family,
May the wonderful memories of your mother,help you through this difficult time.
Date: Jan 10, 2013
Name: Pat Parker
Entry: To Donita and family, I worked with Idessa for many years. She was a blessing to every single one of us and I missed her when she retired. The world was blessed by her presence, and may heaven be blessed by her spirit.
Pat and Marilyn Parker
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Lisa Pompan
Entry: Dear Donita,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Although I did not know your mother, it certainly sounds as if you inherited much of your endless strength and smarts from her. I am so sorry for your loss. yours truly, Lisa P.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Catherine Gladney(Tolbert)
Entry: Doug,Dennis,kim.and Donita You are in my prayers and have my heartfelt sympathy. Aunt Idessa has been there for me since I hit the telephone poll on the back of a bike to telling me which surgeon i should use. She was my inspiration to continue school, we were truly bless to have her in our lives and im gong to miss her dearly. If u need me call and remember the good times it helps. love u all
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Laudrell Tilmon
Entry: Donita, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I understand she was an extraordinary woman. God Bless.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Faye Wachs
Entry: I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Donita Riley and family. I pray for your Mother's soul to rest in peace and you to gain strength from her memory. You are in my thoughts. Much love to you and your entire family.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Rebecca Begin
Entry: "The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God." ~Eileen Elias Freeman
I am very sorry for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Pastor Don Williams
Entry: Donita Riley and Family: The Gathering Place Church in Los Angeles will continue to lift you up in our prayers. If there is anything you need from me, please do not hesistate to ask. We send our sincerest condolences.
Pastor Don
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Rabbi Wolpe
Entry: Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Donita, and your family. May God comfort you in your grief and may you find beauty in the legacy of your mother's life.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: danielle kassin
Entry: Donita, I wanted to let you know that we are thinking of you and your family and sending our condelences.
danielle
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Faye Wachs
Entry: I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Donita Riley and family. I pray for your Mother's soul to rest in peace and you to gain strength from her memory. You are in my thoughts. Much love to you and your entire family.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Laura Stine
Entry: My condolences go out to Donita and the Riley family. You will stay in my prayers during your time of loss.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Beth Ida Stern
Entry: My warmest thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Laura Dobbs
Entry: Donita,my deepest condolences for the loss of your dear mom. She sounds like a woman of strength, character and compassion, and I know she blessed your life every single day with her love. You and your family are in my prayers.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Laura Stine
Entry: My condolences go out to Donita and the Riley family. You will stay in my prayers during your time of loss.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Judy Begin
Entry: I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Rabbi Jason Fruithandler
Entry: May you be comforted amongst all those who mourn. We are thinking about you.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Ellie Herscher
Entry: Your mother sounds like a woman ahead of her time. Now I see where you get your strength and ability to deal so well with others. I send my prayers to you at this time of great loss. May memories of your mother give you strength to cope with this life changing event.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Penny Dain
Entry: My condolences to Donita and her family, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Remember you are loved.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Jorge Garcia
Entry: My condolences to Donita and the entire family. Be strong, my prayers and thoughts are with you.
Date: Jan 9, 2013
Name: Jorge Jr. Garcia
Entry: I am very sorry for your lose Donita. You and your family are in my prayers.Much love.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Stephanie Shryock
Entry: My condolences to Donita and the entire family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Howard Lesner
Entry: My condolences to Donita and the entire family. May your mother's memory be a blessing.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Harry B. and Charlene Jackman Smith
Entry: Doug, Freda and family My condolences to the family. God has picked an angel to enter heaven. Our prayers are with you. With love.
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Kathy Wright
Entry: Words cannot express the sorry I feel at your loss . My heart aches for you
Date: Jan 8, 2013
Name: Cheryl A. Thomas (Johnson)
Entry: Nothing will never replace the loss of your Mother. Aunt Idessa was there for me last year when I lost my Mother.(Betty) Just remember the good times and take it one day at a time. I'm there if you need me. My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Carolyn Calhoun
Entry: To the Family: I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a loved one is never an easy matter for any of us to cope with, but we do have the assurance of our Heavenly Father that he will comfort us in all our tribulations. (Psalms 55:22) Death was never a part of the Creator’s purpose for mankind, so, he has furnished a guarantee by means of his Son, Christ Jesus, that we will see our loved ones again. (Acts 24:15; John 5:28)I pray that you may draw comfort from these words.
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Andrea Groenhagen
Entry: To: Doug,Freda, and Aphton and family: my condolences and may Idessa rest in peace. I am very fortunate to have known her and worked with her as nursing supervisor staffing us for so many many years. She had the sweetest personality and voice.
Andrea Groenhagen
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Teri Wright (Scott)
Entry: To: Donita Riley and Family: Very sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are w/the family..Be strong!
Love Teri, Kenny, Brianna and Whitney (The Wright's)
Date: Jan 7, 2013
Name: Julie Black
Entry: So very sorry for your loss.
