Riley, Kansas – Myrna M. Parry, a beloved resident of Riley for 73 years, died on Monday, October 12, 2026, in Overland Park at the age of 91. Born Myrna Mae Dodds on July 30, 1935, in Macksville, she moved to Riley with her family in 1943 and spent the majority of her life serving the community and her church.
Family and Early Life
Raised by her mother, an elementary school teacher, after her father—who was a school principal—died of cancer when Myrna was ten, she grew up alongside four siblings: Patricia, DeLoss, Clare and Sondra. The Dodds family lived in various Kansas and Nebraska towns before settling in Riley, where Myrna attended Riley County High School, graduating in 1953, and later took courses at Emporia State University and the Brown Mackie School of Business.
Marriage and Career
On November 25, 1956, Myrna married Phillip Morgan Parry at Riley Presbyterian Church. The couple raised two children, Brad (born 1957) and Shawn (born 1960), and operated the local business Phil’s Skelly from the late 1960s until its sale in 2004. Myrna also worked in the administrative offices of Riley County High School and later at Riley State Bank before retiring.
Faith and Service
Deeply rooted in her Christian faith, Myrna devoted countless hours to Riley Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday school, summer Bible school, and after‑school programs, helped establish a church pantry, prepared holiday care packages, sang in the choir, served as a church elder, and led Christmas and other worship programs. Her volunteer work extended beyond the sanctuary: she led a Brownie troop, read to children at the Riley City Library, and organized the women’s Embroidery Club.
Legacy and Memories
Friends and family remember Myrna for her warm hospitality—playing bridge, hosting embroidery gatherings, and creating cherished family traditions such as Easter egg hunts, holiday cookies, and bridge games. Grandchildren and great‑grandchildren recall her love of outdoor adventures, rock‑throwing at the local bridge, and making “Buckaroo” cookies.
Final Arrangements
Memorial services will be held at Riley Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception. A family burial will take place at Bala Cemetery in Bala, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Riley City Library.
Myra Parry’s life exemplified the founding generation’s ideals of motherhood, faith, and community service, leaving a lasting imprint on Riley’s families and church.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
