Phyllis Riat

   Phyllis Riat, 97, of Wamego, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday (May 7, 2024) at Vintage Park in Wamego.

   Born March 21, 1927 in Belvue, Kansas, Phyllis was the daughter of Ernest “Max” and Marguerite F. (Welch) Prickett.  She married Kenneth Edward Riat on May 10, 1951 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Topeka. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1993.

   Phyllis had been a longtime member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in St. Marys, Kansas but in recent years was attending St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wamego.  Phyllis was an accomplished seamstress, making many of her own clothes and for her family.  She enjoyed quilting and will be remembered for her cooking and baking.  She enjoyed traveling on many trips with her husband, Kenneth and loved the time she shared with her family, co-workers and friends from Valley Vista.

   Phyllis was a homemaker and raised her family.  In 1977 she began a career as an administrative assistant at Valley Vista in Wamego until her retirement in 2017 at age 90.

   Survivors include three sons, Greg Riat (Rachele) of Belvue, KS, Mike Riat (Sandy) of  Belvue, KS and David Riat (Betsy) of Homosassa, FL; a daughter, Linda Shove-Morgan (Rick) of Topeka, KS; grandchildren, Bryon Shove (Sarah), Jason Shove (Chelsea), Morgan Riat (Haylee) and Erin Salemi (Amin); step grandchildren, Caleb Weddle, Michael Weddle (Carrie) and Missy Valentine (Nate); and many loving great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

   Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; a daughter, Christine Marie Thornburg; and two sisters, Esther Adams and Joanne Hoogstraten.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday morning (May 10, 2024) at 10:30 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Wamego with Fr. Mike Peterson officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery in St. Marys, Kansas following the funeral luncheon.

   Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home in Wamego. A Rosary Service will be at 7:00 Thursday evening at the funeral home.

   Memorial donations are suggested to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church or Elara Hospice and those may be left with Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P. O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.  

   Online condolences may be left at www.campanellastewart.com