Karen Louise Riley

Karen Louise Riley, local residential realtor for over 40 years, died Saturday January 27, 2018.  She had only recently received a diagnosis of lung cancer.

A Lenexa resident for 41 years, Karen was born in Meramec, Oklahoma on February 11, 1940.  She was the eldest child of Virginia Luke Stout and Homer Stout.  Her younger brother is Keith Stout, M.D.  She and her brother were raised in El Reno, Oklahoma.  This is where their mother, Virginia, instilled and nurtured a love of reading and exploring the world through books.

Karen graduated from El Reno High School in 1958 and then attended Oklahoma State University, where she married Lynn Reeves.  The couple raised two daughters in Overland Park during their 14 year marriage.

In 1976, Karen met George Riley.  After a brief courtship they were married, and have been by each other's side for nearly 42 years.  Karen had a continuing goal with George to do at least one fun thing every day and they have experienced a wonderful life together, blessed with laughter and joy.

Always a self-starter, Karen created a career for herself beginning as a legal secretary, moving on to the position of editor at April House Publishing, and eventually becoming a top realtor in Shawnee Mission.  Even while working and raising children, Karen found time for philanthropic endeavors.  She was an early proponent of women's microfinance in developing countries, and a literacy advocate who taught at-risk youth how to read.  She volunteered at Harvesters Community Food Network and was a member of Central Exchange and Toastmasters, where she blossomed as a public speaker.

Karen is survived by her husband George Riley; brother Keith Stout, of Beaumont, Texas; daughter Penny Reeves, of Overland Park; daughter Ginny Reeves and son-in-law Bob Brada, of Malibu, California; son Todd Riley and daughter-in-law Maggie, of Shawnee; grandchildren Katelyn Reeves, and Grace and Colin Riley.  She is also survived by her uncle Nolan Luke, of Wichita.

A memorial will be held at 4:00pm Saturday February 3, 2018 at the Amos Family Funeral Home, 10901 Johnson Drive Shawnee, KS 66203.