Avis Vyrlen Riley

Avis Vyrlen Hayes was born February 12, 1910, in Branch, Arkansas. She is the 9th born of 10 children of Nettie Arnetta Mills Hayes and David Grant Hayes. Of those born, six lived to adulthood. She was the only living survivor of that family. Her siblings were William Clarence (Bill) Hayes, who lived to 94 years and was a WWI decorated veteran. Ester Hayes Hightower, Earl Hayes, veteran of WW2, Syble Hayes Covington, and Ina Mae Hayes Coffman. Vyrlen was the Salutatorian of the graduating class of Branch High school, Branch, Arkansas, in 1928 and was a forward on the girls? basketball team. She was also given the honor of being named Miss Branch her senior year. On August 10, 1928, she became the wife of Harold Bell Riley, also of Branch, Arkansas. They moved to Longview, Washington, where Harold worked for the Log of Long Bell, as a crane operator during the time of WWII. To them a son was born, Harold Edward Riley and a daughter Sharon Ann Riley Vanoni. In 1946, Harold and Vyrlen came to Lindsay, where they joined Dee and Ollie Riley and Buel and Lusylvia Riley in the business of operating three drug stores. During the oil boom, each of the three brothers successfully operated the Lindsay Drug, Palace Drug, and Central Drug stores. They were joined those years by Ed Riley and Phillip Riley in the retail drug businesses. In 1975, when Vyrlen reached 65 years of age, the four Rileys sold the remaining business, Lindsay Drug Store. Vyrlen continued to work part time for Steven Riley Strong until she was 76 years of age. Vyrlen and Harold were active members of the United Methodist Church of Lindsay. She also was a member of the United Methodist Women, Lindsay Literary Club, Lindsay Garden Club, Rose Unit, and Eastern Star. Vyrlen and Harold wee special parents to many of the young ladies and young men that they employed in the drug stores. Their compassion and influence of these young people were great and many of them returned to Lindsay to visit throughout their adult lives. On November 18, 1989, PAPA, Harold B. Riley predeceased his family after 61 years of marriage to Nana. In 2004, at the age of 94, Vyrlen was given the honor of recognizing her with VYRLEN RILEY DAY on February 12, 2004, by Mayor Todd Hinckley. Her legacy to carry on are Sharon Ann Riley Vanoni and husband Mike, Aaron Riley Vanoni, Lt. Michael Chad Vanoni and wife Ericka, Miriam Elizabeth Vanoni, Corene Alexis (Cori) Vanoni, Chesica Sean Anne Vanoni Wright, and husband Jimmie, Huntre M"Caela ShyAnne Vanoni, Deuce Wright, Trinity Nikole Wright, Drake Wright, Ed Riley, Eric Scott Riley and Kari Cai Day, James Michael Kuykendall. Matthew Thomas, Jason and Deon Vanoni, Kelsey Brianne Vanoni, Jack Robert Vanoni, and Peyton Joseph Vanoni. She also leaves her legacy to her sister-in-law Lusylvia Brown Riley and special friend Barbara, and a host of nieces and nephews and friends. NANA, as she has been lovingly known to so many in her life, has been a positive influence for anyone that chose to know her. She was an integral part of her children?s, grandchildren?s and great grandchildren?s lives. She has eternally been a steadfast matriarch of the family since her husband?s death. Her ultimate desire was to live in her own home until she left her home on earth to be with Lord in heaven. That wish was fulfilled with the gracious loving kindnesses of her family and the caregivers, who met her needs unselfishly during these long years of her health?s decline. For those people, she now smiles down from heaven with her thanks and rejoicing to be free from bodily pain and turmoil of earthly life. Services for Vyrlen will be held on April 5, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of B. G. Boydston Funeral Home in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.boydstonfuneralhome.com.

Avis Vyrlen Riley

February 12, 1910 - April 1, 2007

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