Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Obituary - Sharyl Elaine Riley

Sharyl Elaine Riley, 74, of Adrian, MO, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at St. Luke's Hospital. A Celebration of Life will be held, Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 3-6 PM at the Adrian United Methodist Church in Adrian, MO.

Sharyl Elaine Riley was born August 12, 1951, to John Roland Burkman and Clarine Elaine Peterson in Manhattan, KS. She grew up in the Leonardville, KS area and attended Riley County High School. She married Lemul Junior Riley on February 13, 1971, and to this union three children were born: Amy, Tony, and Michelle "Shelly," and eventually moved to Adrian, MO in 1984. Sharyl was gifted in crafts and spent a lot of time crocheting, cross-stitching, and sewing, making items to give to her family and friends. She loved spending time reading, coloring, and shopping online. Watching the Kansas City Chiefs and numerous crime shows was also a favorite pastime. But her biggest joy and love was her family, raising her kids, spoiling her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sharyl was a unique and one-of-a-kind person who always put others first, especially her family. She was always sure to say, "It will all work out, it always does." This became a very reassuring motto to her children through the years and will forever be a part of her legacy. She always worked her hardest to make sure her kids and grandchildren not only had what they needed, but also what they wanted in life. Always doing her best to make sure "it all worked out" for them.

Sharyl did not have a mean bone in her body and everyone who met her instantly loved her. Her kindness and loving heart will be greatly missed by many.

Sharyl held many jobs throughout her life, including Dave's Place in Adrian (later named The Blackhawk Corner) and then retiring from Capri in Clinton, MO, after working there for over 15 years.

Sharyl Riley is preceded in death by her parents and her husband. She is survived by her children: Amy (Harry Joe) Frazier of Adrian, MO, Tony (Jill) Riley of Adrian, MO, and, Shelly Riley of Adrian, MO; grandchildren: Drew (Hannah) Riley, Ashley (Trent) Eckerle, Joey Frazier, Jacob Frazier, Katelyn Frazier, Nick Lister, Sydney Frazier, Sabryna Riley, and Brenden Riley; great-grandchildren: Blakely, noah and maverick Riley, Dakota Frazier, Daisy Eckerle; brothers, Galen and Gordon Burkman; and sister, Tammy Burkman. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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