Julia Riley

Julia Ann Riley, 55 of Kirksville, MO passed away Monday (December 28, 2015) at her home. The daughter of James Willard and Jeanette (Watson) Sparks, she was born September 2, 1960 in Kirksville, MO. On June 13, 1981 in Kirksville, MO she was united in marriage to Rudy Riley. Julia is survived by her husband, Rudy and children, Adam James Riley and wife Jenny of Albia, IA, Austin Blaine Riley and fiancée Alexis Folkerts of Kirksville, MO, and Anna Gail Riley of Kirksville, MO and one granddaughter, Rose Catherine Riley. She is also survived by her mother Jeanette Sparks of Kirksville, MO; one sister, Jennifer Ehrsam and husband David of Greenfield, IA; her mother-in-law, Gladys Riley of Kirksville, MO; and three brothers-in-law, Ronnie Riley, Randy Riley and wife Ann, Rick Riley and wife Shirley all of Kirksville, MO, along with sister-­in-­law, Renee Riley of Kirksville, MO. Nieces and nephews include Andrea Clayton and husband Curtis of Adel, IA, Daniel Ehrsam of Greenfield, IA, Brian Riley and wife Emily of St. Marys, GA, Heidi Scheidler and husband Jeff of Wildwood, MO, Rachel McCrate and husband Chris of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kate Eagen and husband Corey of Kirksville, MO and Sarah Cox and husband Greg of Houston, TX; seven great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents and her father­in-law, Donald Riley.

Julia grew up in Kirksville and graduated from the Kirksville High School in 1978. She graduated from Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in 1983. She taught school in Scotland County Schools, Green City Schools, Kirksville School District, Eddyville, IA School District, and Albia, IA School District.

She grew up as a member of the First Baptist Church in Kirksville, MO and was later a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Albia, IA where she had served on several committees and enjoyed serving Wednesday night suppers. After moving back to Kirksville she attended the First United Methodist Church. She was the last President of the Kirksville Jaycee Women, and was the first President of the Kirksville Women of Today. She was the coach of the State Champion Kirksville High School cheerleading squad. She coached many of her kids' tee ball, soccer, and basketball teams.

She enjoyed trips to the beach, crafting, her granddaughter, Rose, and her greatest joy was following her children’s ball games, dance performances, plays, and concerts.

Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday (January 2, 2016) at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Richard Northcutt officiating. Entombment will be in Park View Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

Pallbearers will be Dave Mick, Joe Crall, Dan Stocker, Don Riley, Brian Pulliam, and Tom Kent.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday (January 1, 2016) at

Davis-­Playle-­Hudson-­Rimer Funeral Home
2100 E. Shepherd Ave.
Kirksville, MO 63501 660­665­2233

Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or Trinity United Methodist Church Family Life Center.