Shirley Kathleen Biggs Riley, 89, slipped into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Olathe Medical Center surrounded by her husband and children.
She was born February 11, 1936, in Nashville, TN to Rev. J.A. & Bessie (Moses) Biggs as one of ten children. She met her husband Dr. Phillip M Riley at Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville and married April 5, 1957. She was his partner in ministry for more than three decades and she served in key roles such as District Missionary President and then was sought out by the International Church of the Nazarene to serve as the Director of Leadership Conferences for pastors and their wives (PALCON and WILCON) over eight years across the US and Europe on Nazarene University campuses.
Shirley is survived by her husband Phillip and three children: Dr. Sondra Cave (Rev. Robert) of Olathe, Kan.; Dr. David Riley (Renee) of Olathe, Kan.; Dr. Paul Riley (Sandy) of Valencia, Calif. She is survived by six grandchildren: Bobby Cave (Jaleah), and Heather Vallad (Jeremy); Emily Grusenmeyer (Eric), Chandler Riley (Caroline), AnnMarie Riley; and Lauren Bagian (Mike). She is survived by twelve great-grandchildren.
Shirley is preceded in death by her parents and four brothers and is survived by four sisters and one brother.
Those who knew Shirley will remember her Christ like example. She also exemplified a selfless, giving, loving impact on others in her leadership and her love of family and church. Shirley’s gentle and playful spirit resulted in many stories ending in laughter for all who knew her.
Services will be held at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe KS. To leave a message for the family, visit www.Penwellgabelkc.com
