Opal LaDelle Riley

Opal Riley, 89, of Independence, Missouri passed away peacefully May 12, 2020 at home. A private graveside service will be held in Independence, Missouri.

Opal LaDelle Riley was born January 24, 1931 to Rev. George R. Cordry and Ethel M. Cordry in Columbia, MO. Opal was raised with two older siblings, brother Darrell and sister Margie. As a young adult, Opal was involved in ministry with her sister Margie in Springfield, MO where Opal met and married a Central Bible College student, James E. Ahls. They raised three daughters in Independence, MO; Ruthie Myers, Christina Cort and Amy Tangpricha. Later in life, Opal married Ralph E. Riley who preceded her in death in 2005. Opal was also preceded in death by her first grandson, Tyler Aaron Earring in 2016 and her siblings, Darrell Cordry and Margie Bradberry. Opal was blessed with five other grandchildren; Tamalyn and Ryan Cort; Alex, Jacob and Aliyah Tangpricha in addition to one great granddaughter, Sophia Cort.

Opal was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother and sister. Opal spent her life raising her children in a Christian home. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who loved playing the organ, piano and accordion in church and at home. Opal loved to sing the Gospel hymns. She seemed to have a “green thumb” and always filled the front room of her home with plants. Opal loved animals and always had a dog around the house to spoil with treats. Opal was a kind person and very outgoing. She loved talking to people for hours, especially her close friends.

Opal is survived by: her daughters; Ruth Myers, Christina Cort and Amy Tangpricha; grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, Aliyah Tangpricha, Tamalyn and Ryan Cort and great-granddaughter, Sophia Cort.

Opal will be greatly missed by her family and friends, although we have joy in knowing she is carrying on lengthy conversations in heaven in the presence of Jesus.