Dorothy J. (Priggel) Riley

Dorothy J. Riley, (Priggel), age 82 of New Madrid passed away at Sikeston Convalescent Center on October 15, 2020, after a long fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Dorothy was born on March 25, 1938 in Portageville, MO to the late Paul Vincent Priggel and Jane Brands Priggel.  She was united in marriage to Edward Anderson Riley of New Madrid, MO on June 7, 1961 at St. Eustachius Catholic Church in Portageville, MO.  Dorothy is survived by her husband Edward, of 59 years; two sons, Andy (Natalie) Riley of Dexter, MO, Tommy (Nancy) Riley of New Madrid, MO; two daughters, Mary (Bob) Knight of Mahomet, IL, Janey (Jarrod) Nackley of Atlanta, GA.  

Preceding her in death were her parents Paul and Jane Priggel, her brother Joseph Paul Priggel, and granddaughter Lacey Jane Riley.

Dorothy loved her faith and her family, especially her 12 grandchildren. She and Edward spent the majority of their married life in Dexter, MO where they made a life and raised their 4 children.  Dorothy was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish where she helped cook for the annual turkey dinners, taught CCD and altar server training, and was a member of the Daughter’s of St. Francis De Sales for 45 years.  

As a mom, Dorothy always put her children’s needs above her own and made a warm, loving and faith-filled home for them.  As a grandmother, this amazing ability increased and abounded with love and support for the grandkids. She and Edward were always there to babysit and help out in any way and they loved going to all the events of the grandkids.

Dorothy was a down to earth person with a faith in the Lord that could not be shaken. She kept a clean and organized home, cooked great food, treasured family quilts, loved a tag sale, and was the Priggel family historian. She and Edward had many dear friends in the Dexter community and loved to get together with them.

A funeral Mass will held at Immaculate Conception Church in New Madrid on Tuesday, October 20^th at 12:00 noon with the Reverend Dominic Ibok officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons Riley Knight, Sam Knight, Camden Riley, RC Riley, Landon Riley, and Nicholas Nackley. . Burial will follow mass at Evergreen Cemetery. Richards Funeral Home in New Madrid is handling the arrangements.

Masks and social distancing will be required for mass attendance. Friends are encouraged to attend the burial service in lieu of a visitation in respect of social distancing practices for the health and safety of all.

The family would like to express a sincere appreciation for the wonderful help and care given by the memory care staff at The Arbors in Sikeston, MO, the staff at Sikeston Convalescence Center, and Crown Hospice.

In memory of Dorothy, contributions can be made to:

Birthright of Cape Girardeau

2633 Hopper Road

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Or

The New Madrid Historical Museum

1 Main Street

New Madrid, MO 63869

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