Carol A. Riley

Carol A. Riley, 77, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, January 15, 2016, at Capital Region Medical Center after complications from an emergency surgery performed on Christmas day morning. She was born November 5, 1938, in St. Thomas, a daughter of the late Bernard J. and Eleanor A. (Fennewald) Schell. Carol was a 1956 graduate of St. Peter's High School. She was married on August 8, 1959 to Gerald "Jerry" J. Pleus, who died on November 16, 2012. She was married to Don B. Riley on April 16, 1999, who preceded her in death on November 23, 2007. Carol worked for the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association for over 25 years as Office Manager. She later worked for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and for Senator Norman Merrell at the Missouri State Capitol. She was one of the three original incorporators of Diamond Pet Food in 1970. She was a member of St.Peter's Catholic Church, the Missouri State Troopers Emergency Relief Association (Masters) and was a former member of the Jefferson City Country Club. Carol's family and home were the joys of her life and she was a wonderful cook who loved to entertain. Her quick wit and spirit of strength and determination will be an inspiration to all of us for the rest of our lives. Carol is survived by two daughters, Laurie Pleus (Larry Mertens fiance) and Lisa Pleus, both of Jefferson City; one brother, Gary (Millie) Schell, two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" (Richard) Kampeter, and Kathleen "Kate" Kliegel, all of Jefferson City; three step-sons, Mike, Kevin and Carey Riley, and one step-daughter, Kathy Miller, all of Jefferson City; seven nephews, Mike (Paige) Kampeter, Tom (Julie) Kampeter, John (Heather) Kampeter and Andy (Karen) Kampeter, Mark (Jill) Schell, Patrick Kliegel and Luke Kliegel; two nieces, Ann Kampeter and Julie (Chip) Malmstrom, all of Jefferson City; as well as numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Schell in 1968, and her beloved dog, Mitzi, a Pekingese rescue. Friends will be received from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday, January 18, 2016, at Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 3:15 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City with Father Greg Meystrik officiating. Interment will follow at Ressurection Cemetery. Additional visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the church. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church, St. Peter Catholic Church or the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com