Klonda Niethamer Jefferis Riley, born November 6, 1922 in Cunningham, Kansas, died of age-related illness on February 6, 2017 in Edmond, OK. She was 94.

Klonda was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, H. R. Jefferis, by an infant son, Philip Ray, and by her second husband, J. D. Riley of Burkburnett, TX. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy R. Jefferis, and Nancy's wife, Elouise Bell, of Edmond, OK, and by a brother, Glenn Niethamer and his wife Kay of Manchester, OK. In addition, she proudly enjoyed connection with many nieces, nephews, and cousins scattered throughout the West.

Klonda Riley grew up in Manchester, OK, and graduated from Manchester High School and Northwest State Teachers College in Alva, OK. A model of mid-century American energy and purpose, she excelled in a variety of careers. At 20, she taught all grades in a one-room country schoolhouse in Kansas and later served as a substitute teacher in the Burkburnett, TX schools. While living in Burkburnett, she owned and operated the Greeter Service for Newcomers and was a charter member of the Burkburnett Library Board and a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church and later of the First Christian Church.

Klonda's interests went beyond the local. For decades, she maintained an extensive correspondence with people across the U.S. and even abroad. Her letters were detailed, upbeat, and often humorous.

Funeral service 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony, Kansas, followed by graveside services at the Manchester, OK, I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Klonda's name to any of the churches she attended over the years, or to the Wichita Falls, TX Hospice. Memorials may be made out to the organization of choice and mailed to the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 602 E. Main, Anthony, KS 67003, is in charge of arrangements.