John Henry Riney was the last of the children of Thomas and Ann Marie (Smith) Riney, to reach his heavenly home as he left this earth on February 26, 2022, at 11:55 pm.
John required twenty-four hour assistance due to limited mental capacity since birth. He was likeable, and mischievous to his family and friends. John enjoyed visits with his siblings Thomas, Jenny, Martha, John, Joe, Jerry, Jim, Pauline, Beulah, Charlie and Sue. He particularly enjoyed being with his siblings at the annual Christmas parties arranged by Paul Steward and Polly Mead. John was happiest wearing his favorite hat and sitting next to his sister, Pauline.
John’s early childhood was spent at home playing with the neighboring children. He lived his early years before the recognition of special needs children. After the death of his mother, John was one of the fortunate ones to be placed in care facilities for developmentally delayed people, thanks to the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities (BDDS).
Denise Elmore championed his transfer from nursing home to group home care in the community. He received excellent care from Four Rivers Resource Services, DSI Developmental Services, Inc., Prairie Village Living Center staff and all the agencies in between.
Many wonderful people and agencies were part of his life. His sister, Sue, faithfully corralled his antics for years and monitored his care with family visits and questions for staff. Mrs. Yvonne Evans of Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church was faithful in her ministry to John and his entire family.
Graveside services for John Henry Riney will be held at 11:30 am, Saturday, March 19, 2022.
The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to assist with John Henry Riney’s arrangements.
