Betty Jo Riley, 89, of Richmond, died Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Life Care Center in Carrollton.

Betty was born on Oct. 31, 1932, in Protem, MO the daughter of Elton and Gertrude (Coplin) Wilson. She was united in marriage to Charles T. Riley Jr., MD of Bassitt, NE, on Aug. 3, 1951, he preceded her in death on Oct. 28, 2013. 

Survivors include one son, Charles Riley of Carrollton; and one daughter Anita Wiggins of Nashville, TN; five grandchildren, Charles Blake Riley (Amanda), Reid Norris Riley, Spencer Andrew Riley, Halley Brea Collins (Chris), and Abigail Nicole Murphy (Patrick); and three great-grandchildren, Jenny Grace Riley, Faith Ann Riley, and Charles Asa Riley.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and daughter in law, Jenny Riley. 

Betty attended MO State University in Springfield where she earned her associates degree. She was a receptionist at her husband’s doctor’s office in Richmond for many years. Betty was an original member of Shirkey Golf Course in Richmond and a longtime member of the Richmond United Methodist Church along with 50-plus years as a member of P.E.O.

Visitation was at 11 a.m. with funeral services following at noon on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at the Richmond United Methodist Church. There was a private family burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the P.E.O. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond is in charge of arrangements.  Please remember to share your memories of Betty by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.