Riley Danea Phelan

Riley Danea Phelan, known for her infectious smile and free-spirited nature, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, in Jay, Oklahoma, at the age of 21. She was born on November 26, 2002, in Claremore, Oklahoma; the daughter of Dustin and Trieste (Long) Phelan. She leaves this world much too soon and her departure has left a void in the lives of her loved ones and friends that can never be filled. 

Although Riley lived in Salina all of her life, she spent time at Claremore schools where she actively participated in band and choir and later moved to Salina High School, where she graduated with the Class of 2022. 

Family meant everything to Riley, and she cherished the time spent with her beloved cousins who were also her closest friends. Always protective and caring, Riley played a significant role in raising her siblings and was always there for anyone she loved. Her accepting nature knew no boundaries; she never passed judgment on anyone and welcomed people from all walks of life.

Driven by ambition and determination, Riley possessed an unstoppable spirit. When she set her mind on something, there was no stopping her until she achieved her goals. Her cousin Sadie was her partner in crime - wherever one was seen, the other would surely follow. They were known as two peas in a pod.

Known as "the boss" amongst the kids, Riley exuded confidence and held that title proudly. Whether it was leading the way or standing up for what she believed in, Riley always held her ground. Her radiant smile was an ever-present feature on her beautiful face, although those who knew her well understood that mischievousness often hid beneath it. 

Riley had a passion for cooking and displayed impressive skills in the kitchen. However, patience wasn't one of her strong suits as she didn't approve of anything that required slow-cooking or using a crockpot. She had a special flair that made her unique—marching to the beat of her own drum defined her well.

Riley's passing leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. Her absence will forever be felt by her surviving family including her father, Dustin Phelan of Salina, OK; mother, Trieste Phelan of Pryor, OK; sisters Taylor Phelan and Jestanie Phelan of Salina, OK; brothers Austin Blaine Phelan and Brandt Phelan, also of Salina, OK. She is also survived by her grandparents Lynn and Terri Phelan of Salina, OK; Herb Cooper and Melissa Long of Claremore, OK; Terry and Donna Long of Sapulpa, OK; great-grandmothers Jo Aker and Lorene Griffin of Salina, OK; aunts Ashley Jeffcoat and Dorie Long of Pryor, OK; uncles Derrick Phelan and wife Jeanie of Adair, OK, and Tony Long of New York; as well as many other cherished family members and dear friends.

She is preceded in death by her great grandfather, Charles Griffin; and aunt, Nanetta Thompson. 

Funeral services for Riley will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Blue Springs Church in Salina with Reverend Lorne Beck officiating. Burial will follow at the Ross Mayes Cemetery with Cayden Phelan, Jace Marble, Tony Long, Chase Mellowbug, Blake Jeffcoat, and Hunter Perkins serving as casket bearers. Honorary casket bearers include Austin Phelan and Brandt Phelan. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Shipman's Funeral Home in Pryor. To leave her family a personal message, please visit her guestbook at www.shipmansfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shipman's Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.