Maneen R.G. Riley
Maneen Rae Grigsby Riley, Sept. 11, 1946 - Sept. 16, 2026.
Born to wonderful parents, Basil and Enid Grigsby, in rural Arkansas, she thrived in the small western Arkansas town of Hartford. Valedictorian of the class of '64, all-state guard on the successful Hustler basketball team, cheerleader, at 5'10" (often with 2-inch heels) she commanded attention, in an unassuming way.
Attracting many lifelong friends, she went on to graduate from Arkansas Tech University. In 1966, she represented the school in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, winning the Miss Congeniality Award, not surprising to those who knew her. She had a winning personality and a loving smile for everyone. One could not help but love Maneen.
She was preceded in death by her husband of many years, Ken Riley, who survived two transplants, largely because of her advocacy. Through it all, Maneen was lovingly persistent, and tough when she needed to be, a quality not to be underestimated by those who knew her well.
She is survived by her son, an exceptional artist, Matt Reynolds, and his wife, Mitzi, who were always at the center of her thoughts; also her brother, Jim Grigsby and wife, Mickey; nephews, Steve Grigsby (Jenny) and David Grigsby (Jennifer); four loving great-nephews, Reid (Jessica), Sam, Jack and Ben.
A deeply caring person to those who knew her well, in her later years, she withdrew somewhat to her home as she battled two difficult, life-threatening illnesses. In her final three weeks, hospice stepped up and cared for her. We are especially grateful to Dr. Amy Cleveland, a persistently caring and loving treating physician, and her cousin, Nan Couch Guffey. She was more like a sister, as they grew up extremely close to each other, who came and stayed with her a few of the final days, knowing just what she needed. Finally, so thankful for her daughter-in-law, Mitzi, who was there for her when she most needed a caring touch towards the end.
Maneen, of course, is now with her Lord and her family. She had a deep faith growing out of her early years with Basil and Enid, always unconditionally loving. There will likely be a graveside service sometime in the future in her hometown of Hartford. It is what she wanted.
Online condolences athttp://www.caruth-hale.com.
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