Lavonne M. Riley, 85, of Holton, KS passed away Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at Medicalodge Jackson County. She was born June 16, 1931 in Iola, KS the daughter of Arthur Edmund and Elizabeth (Whipps) Starr.

Lavonne graduated from Welda High School in 1949 and graduated from Kansas State University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree. She taught home economics and chemistry in Fredonia, Arma and Sylvan Grove schools. Lavonne then became a mother and was very involved with her children’s activities. After her children were in high school, Lavonne worked for Eubanks Custom Woodworks as a kitchen cabinet designer and was later Director of Child Care Food Program for NEKAP in Hiawatha, retiring in 1990. After retirement, she was a national inspector for the Head Start programs.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Ruth Circle, President of United Methodist Women and a delegate to the Kansas East Conference. She was also a former member of Holton Business Women, Holton Country Club, Extension Homemaker Unit, Holton Garden Club, served on the Kansas Library Board and was a Girl Scout Leader. Lavonne and C.L. were founding members of the Heartland R.S. Prussia Collectors Club and traveled to Europe with that club.

Lavonne married Claron “C.L.” Riley on August 8, 1954 in Welda, KS. They celebrated 62 years of marriage. In addition to her husband, C.L., she is survived by her daughter, Erin C. Duncan (Stewart) of Westmoreland, KS; her son, Shawn D. Riley (Jennalee) of Holton, KS; her brother, Lowell Starr (Peggy) of Fredericksburg, VA; 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

 Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 5, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Holton Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the Beck-Bookman Library or the First United Methodist Church c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.