Reta Marie Riley

Reta Marie Riley was born on September 4, 1920, to William and Fanny January. She was married to George Prentice Riley in 1945 and had four children whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her four brothers: Willie, Thomas, Walter, and Donald as well as two sisters: Dorthy and Zelma. She was also preceded in death by her husband, her two daughters, Frances King and Jeanette Spann, her two sons, Dennis and George Riley, as well as two grandchildren, Ron Riley and Cathy King, and one great grandchild, Phoenix Cook. Her 102 years spanned some of the biggest social and economic changes our world has ever seen. She told stories of riding for days in a horse-drawn wagon to see relatives, living in abject poverty with dirt floors, and being thrilled with getting a single orange for Christmas. She remembered her mother’s friends who would stop by and spoke only Cherokee while she would hide and listen trying to decipher what they were saying. She remembered some relatives who would hide food and provisions for Pretty Boy Floyd in their barn. He would leave money in exchange for the provisions. Reta’s brother Walter died in World War 2. Meanwhile she was employed to help build bombers in a factory to help the war effort. Reta loved her kids and grandkids fiercely. She had a deep faith in God, read scripture often, and could usually be heard humming a hymn while going about her work. As a widow, she worked to provide for her family. She would continue to work and provide until breaking her hip made it impossible at the age of 90. She worked for Conoco Phillips for over 15 years. After retiring, she worked for the Arvest Trust Department taking care of the elderly, many of which were barely older than her. Reta was no stranger to grief or trouble. But somehow, all who knew her remember her most for her strength and joy. She was always willing to share a meal, or help with the bills, or laugh with the kids. She awoke to eternity on October 29, 2022, surrounded by grandkids and great grandkids. She had 12 grandchildren (and 23 great grandchildren): Cathy King (and Ben), Eric King (with wife Angela, Hannah, Ryan, and Hause), Pamela Cash (with Megan and Cody), Christopher King, Amber Bell (with Bryce, Hunter, Morgan, and Madison), Scott Riley (with wife Kristi, Cody, Giullianna, Andrew, Krystle, Chris, Madelynne, and Natalie), Ron Riley, Jeff Riley (and Tanner), Shanna Riley, Shauna Orcutt (with Daniel and Jessica), Christy Gillum (with Rachel, Parker, Phoenix, and Forest), and Joe Spann (with wife Anjanette, Sophia, Josselyn, Norah, and Jude). She is also survived by her sons-in-law Glen King and Joe Spann Sr, and several great great grandchildren.

Reta Marie Riley

September 4, 1920 - October 29, 2022