JoEllen Riley, 78, of New London, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
JoEllen was born December 12, 1947 in Oelwein, IA, the oldest of 4 children to Melvin and Imogene (Haught) Nus. She graduated from Oelwein High School as a member of the class of 1966. JoEllen was united in marriage to Verdell Lamphere. 2 daughters were born to this union, Jennifer & Andrea. The couple later divorced. JoEllen was then united in marriage to Kenneth Wayne Riley. A son, Anthony “Tony” was born to this union. Kenneth and JoEllen later divorced. 
JoEllen was employed by the Motorola Corporation on the radio production line. She made the move when Motorola became Celestica. At the closing of Celestica in Mt. Pleasant, JoEllen joined the Housekeeping Department of the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant. She was with the hospital for many years until her retirement.
She was well-known in her family for her sun tea. Later in life, she developed a love of several sports. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan era and the Green Bay Packers.
Simple joys brought JoEllen smiles and happiness. She loved to sit with a cup of coffee and watch the squirrels outside her window. She loved her family deeply and treasured the frequent visits of Tony and Emily. Her love of family was returned by the love she received from her by her family and friends.
Those thank for sharing in JoEllen’s life include her son, Anthony “Tony” and his wife Chelsey of New London; 2 daughters – Jennifer Lamphere-Peck and her husband Charlie of Portugal and Andrea Ladeburg and her husband Rick of Oelwein; her siblings – Christine Bergeson, Mary Reinking and husband Quinton and Scott Nus, all of Oelwein and 5 grandchildren – Brenna, Tyler, Jared, Josh and Emily.
JoEllen is preceded in death by her parents.
Friends may call from 12 to 7 PM at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will be present to receive friends from 5 to 7.
A funeral service for JoEllen will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 1 at the Kimzey Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Burge Cemetery in New London
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for decisions to be made in the future. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.