In Memory Of
Ruth O'Riley
Ruth O'Riley
Ruth Walker "Rosie" O'Riley, 96, passed away Monday, July 25, 2011, at Lexington Park Skilled Nursing Facility in Topeka. Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Aug. 1, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th Street, Topeka, KS 66604. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Ruth was born on January 26, 1915, in Osborne, Kan., to Bertine P. and Althea Closon Walker. Her father was a syndicated columnist and the longtime editor of the Osborne County Farmer. He served as State Printer from 1921 to 1933.
Ruth graduated from Topeka High School in 1932 and from Washburn University in 1936 with a degree in fine arts. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the art honorary society. After graduation she married John Foulks and moved to Atchison. Upon his death in World War II she moved back to Topeka, and in 1952 married Harry O'Riley, who became director of Kansas sales and excise tax. Harry served as Red Cross Disaster Chairman during the tornado of 1966, and together they spent many hours helping those in need after the devastation. He died in 1987.
She was a former member of the Junior League of Topeka, the Topeka Country Club, and St. David's Episcopal Church. She especially loved gardening, playing bridge, and her many travels. The family wishes to thank Dan Brogren of the Trust Co. of Kansas and the staff of Lexington Park Assisted Living for all their kindness over the years.
She leaves a sister, Roberta Huddleston, Mission Hills, Kan.; a niece and her husband, Mary Ann and Nick Powell, Mission Hills; two great-nephews and a great-niece.
The family requests no flowers and suggests contributions to Washburn University Endowment, 1729 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604 or the church. To leave the family a special message online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
Ruth was born on January 26, 1915, in Osborne, Kan., to Bertine P. and Althea Closon Walker. Her father was a syndicated columnist and the longtime editor of the Osborne County Farmer. He served as State Printer from 1921 to 1933.
Ruth graduated from Topeka High School in 1932 and from Washburn University in 1936 with a degree in fine arts. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and the art honorary society. After graduation she married John Foulks and moved to Atchison. Upon his death in World War II she moved back to Topeka, and in 1952 married Harry O'Riley, who became director of Kansas sales and excise tax. Harry served as Red Cross Disaster Chairman during the tornado of 1966, and together they spent many hours helping those in need after the devastation. He died in 1987.
She was a former member of the Junior League of Topeka, the Topeka Country Club, and St. David's Episcopal Church. She especially loved gardening, playing bridge, and her many travels. The family wishes to thank Dan Brogren of the Trust Co. of Kansas and the staff of Lexington Park Assisted Living for all their kindness over the years.
She leaves a sister, Roberta Huddleston, Mission Hills, Kan.; a niece and her husband, Mary Ann and Nick Powell, Mission Hills; two great-nephews and a great-niece.
The family requests no flowers and suggests contributions to Washburn University Endowment, 1729 SW MacVicar Avenue, Topeka, KS 66604 or the church. To leave the family a special message online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruth O'Riley, please visit our flower store.
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