Shirley Ann McConkie (Riley)
July 5, 1942 — June 25, 2023
Santaquin
Shirley Ann McConkie (Riley)
Shirley Ann McConkie (Riley), age 80, was released from her health challenges and earthly struggles on June 25th, 2023 in Santaquin, Utah.
She was born July 5, 1942 in Ballard, Utah, the oldest daughter of Lyrad Charles McConkie and Ilene Jenkins. She is survived by her sister Suzan Reynolds (Robin), sister-in-law Beckey McConkie (Shawn), and brothers-in-law Larry (Jeannie) and Leon (Dixie).
Growing up in Altamont, Shirley loved school and music, was a good student, and carried with her memories of the school outhouse and carrying a shared water bucket with a ladle that was used for washing. Raised on a ranch, there were always chores to do, especially for the oldest child. She was a great student in high school, learned typing, piano, office work, singing, and was beautiful. She was voted homecoming queen.
Her marriage of 25 years to Ernie Riley of Altonah, Utah brought much happiness – including 1 very special daughter Lizabeth who died shortly after birth. She held the memory of her in great reverence. Along came 7 adventurous sons: Cory, Darren, Lyrad, Keyan, Jared & Jason (twins) and Nick. The family moved to rural Penryn, CA and this became their home base for decades.
Mom was known for her exceptionally strong faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. As her heart's whole desire, she dedicated the rest of her life to her faith and unwavering sacrifice to her family. She lived and shared her desire for an eternal family with complete love and endless devotion.
She managed the finances and family affairs of raising 7 boys on a teacher’s salary — no small task! In her home, she expected her boys to grow into strong men and fathers; thus her boys were expected to work hard with a giant garden, chores, helping with cooking, activity in scouts and marching bands, and filling up a church pew on Sundays.
She sacrificed and overcame many challenges in her lifetime. She carried the burden of her first daughter’s early death, a house fire, divorce, relocation away from her beloved California home, various health struggles, and restarting life as a single mother with few workforce skills. She enjoyed working at the county health office in the well baby program.
She descended in part from pioneers who helped settle eastern Utah, and she was proud of this family heritage. Family vacations were either camping (California coast, Yosemite were some favorites), or driving back to Utah to keep family ties firm.
Thousands of lives have been richly blessed by their association with Shirley Riley. She served as a seminary teacher, girls camp leader, and relief society leader. People who knew her back in those “happier” days remember her for her quick laugh, gift of gab, faith, and sharp wit. She had an opinion on everything, and she was quick to share it.
We honor her for her inner light, commitment to an eternal family despite so many trials, and her uniqueness. She will be forever remembered and deeply missed.
We will always strive to carry the torch she passed to us – of Faith, Resilience, Endurance and Devotion.
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