Margaret Ann Riffle

Margaret Ann (Litle) Riffle, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, went to her heavenly home Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Cass Regional Hospital, Harrisonville, Missouri.

Margaret was born August 29, 1936 on the family farm in Garden City, Missouri, the daughter of John William and Sheldena Irene (Lee) Litle. Having 2 older brothers and being 5 ft. 10 in. tall, she was an exceptional basketball player and graduated Valedictorian of Garden City High School in 1954. She worked at the garment factory in town, saving money to go to Kansas City Business College on a scholarship and attend modeling school. Kansas City Power and Light gave her a desk job due to high recommendations when she graduated. The third time Glen “Dale” Riffle asked her to marry him, after he returned from serving in the Marine Corps, she said “yes.” She married her sweetheart of nearly 69 years on April 7, 1957, telling others that back then he resembled Rock Hudson. Together they had three children, Janet Denise, Paul Michael, and Lora Ann.

Growing up, she went to the Baptist church in town where one of the hometown girls, Lucy Wagner, was appointed a Southern Baptist missionary to South Korea in 1955. From that time forward, Margaret had a heart for sharing her faith in Jesus! She felt a calling to be a missionary like Lucy; however, the doors of opportunity never opened for her to serve overseas as a “missionary.” Instead, she bloomed where God planted her in small towns and rural churches. God has used her influence, fervent prayers, Bible teaching of children, youth and adults to have long reaching branches! There have been pastors, international missionaries, journeymen missionaries, as well as other countless deacons, and church leaders through the years that are a part of her legacy. She was leader of the local Women’s Missionary Union, taught YWA’s and Acteens, traveling with them to conventions and camps. A neighbor shared “Heaven now has a wonderful soul. She was so important to our childhood.” Another shared, “I remember that she was so devoted to teaching kids the Bible during VBS. What a loss!” That was when VBS was 2 weeks long.

She would tell you that she was just a nobody, a spider legged country girl. Nevertheless, she was obedient to her Lord, and she was indeed a missionary! She was sharing Jesus from her hospital bed before God took her home. She served at First Baptist Church of Grain Valley until retirement years; then at Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, LaTour, where she and Dale are still members. After they moved to Pleasant Hill, they attended Big Creek Baptist where Margaret continued to pray daily over missionaries that had birthdays and a long prayer list. Those who knew her called Margaret if they needed special prayers!

Margaret and Dale enjoyed traveling and sometimes did so with family. On road trips, she always was first to try and get in the back seat, where she could knit, or do Sudoku, participate in the conversation and still point out sights as we were passing by. Adventures included cruises to Alaska, Hawaii, and visiting Russia as well as seeing many National Parks, Disney World, New York City, Washington DC, Washington State and Seattle, The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Billy Graham Library in North Carolina which was on her bucket list, and numerous others.

Her children call her industrious and blessed. From tending a large garden, canning and freezing vegetables, knitting, crocheting, tatting, embroidery and sewing many of their clothes, even coats and wedding dresses and altering suits to making window drapes, costumes for church, Raggedy Ann dolls, and Barbie clothes. She hand quilted exquisite quilts—several donated to the Apple Festival Quilt Auction to benefit the children’s home. Her quilts also grace her children’s and grandchildren’s beds. Margaret liked to work puzzles, could run a table saw, hang wallpaper, and grow beautiful house plants. Watching Jeopardy while having a cup of afternoon coffee was a favorite ritual. She had a lovely alto voice and when younger sang at numerous weddings and funerals. She taught her children to sing harmony while snapping green beans, then had them singing with her for various church and family occasions. Most importantly, Margaret lived out truths from Deuteronomy 6: 

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength…. Only pay attention and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your grandchildren impressing these things on their mind and penetrating their heart with these truths.” Even her great grandchildren know Grandma kept her Bible close at hand and often shared prayer requests.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, John Henry Litle and Rev. Richard and wife Nanetta Litle. She is survived by her husband, Dale, sister-in-law Blanche Litle; children Janet Orr and husband, Roger, of Garden City; Paul Riffle and wife, Brenda of Bolivar, Missouri; Lora Watson and husband, Curt, of St. Augustine, Florida; 6 grandchildren: Elisa Couch and husband, Joey, Pleasant Hill, Missouri; Blayne Riffle and wife, Sarah, Bolivar, Missouri; Nathaniel Orr and wife, Amie, Harrisonville, Missouri; Kristen LaChance and husband Jimmy, Moberly, Missouri; Ben Watson and Stewart Watson, Jacksonville, Florida, and 8 great-grandchildren; Ruthanna, Miriam, and Noabeth Couch; Lily Margaret and Loxley Riffle; Leo and Maria LaChance; and Charlotte Ann Margaret Orr; in addition to many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri with interment at Garden City Cemetery, Garden City, Missouri.

Visitation will be held 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Dickey Funeral Home, Harrisonville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Missouri Baptist Children's Home and sent in care to Dickey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 432, Harrisonville, Missouri 64701.