Ann Teresa Riffel

Ann Teresa Riffel, 90, of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of Moberly, passed away quickly and peacefully, the morning of November 13, 2025. Born in Newport, Arkansas, October 3, 1935, Ann was the beloved daughter of Leo C. and Dorothy (Pelchman) Saenger. 

She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s High School, the "Little Rock Catholic High School for Girls" in Arkansas, where she captained the skirt-wearing women's basketball team. She would tell stories of sneaking out with her sisters to watch Elvis Presley play at the Silver Moon Club. She was full of spunk and sass, both active in the journalism club and fond of the Sisters of Mercy and their dedication to the social teachings of the Catholic Church. 

Ann’s early years were full of joy and exploration; it was at a St. Louis University co-ed dance, while she was attending Webster College, where she met the love of her life, William J. (Bill) Riffel. They were married on October 8, 1955, at the Church of the Little Flower in Richmond Heights, Missouri. Together, they raised six children: William Michael Riffel (Dee), Stephen Lee Riffel (Suzy), Rebecca Lynn Orscheln (Bill), Mary Ann Riffel, Christian John Riffel, and Joseph Anthony Riffel.

Ann was a devoted wife and mother, and her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her sisters, Dorothy Lee Ackfield (Al) and Claire Weiler (Nick), and her brothers, Leo Jr. Saenger (Pat) and Chris Saenger (Lynda). She was the proud grandmother of Sarah Sylvester (Mark), Billy Orscheln (Joanna), Christian Orscheln, Aaron Lueders (Susan), Meredith Williams, Andrew McGregor, Anna Gailis (Justin), and Jack Riffel. The only people she loved more were her great-grandchildren, all who shared their own precious memories with her: Jaden and Jordan Lueders, Skylar Idel, Nora Jane Williams, Halo, Alex and Elizabeth McGregor, Francis, Jack, and Rory Sylvester, Millie, Brooks, and Birdie Orscheln, and Wylie and Knox Gailis.

She was never without a tissue crumpled up in her pocket or her signature Revlon red lipstick. She could be seen dancing on the deck wrapped in a Missouri Tigers blanket with her Arkansas Razorback foam finger pointed to heaven. She will be remembered for her impeccable class, flawless fashion and the immense sacrifices she made for both her own parents as well as her in-laws in the final years of their lives. She was a lively and competitive golfer, especially after the kids left the nest —she couldn’t resist collecting golf balls wherever she went. Without exception, she had the coffee on and a hot meal prepared for the deer hunting crew, or the entire football team that might stop by. Christmas started in October at Annie’s house. There were red poinsettia lining the hallways and Bill’s famous toffee-filled tins for miles. 

Ann could be found in her apron with a pan of hot oil on the burner, ready to cook breakfast, while simultaneously planning for lunch. Famous for her chocolate sheet cakes and apple pies; there was also a casserole assembled if you needed it. The Carters, Orschelns and Caldarellos were frequent visitors in the Riffel home, as the door (and kitchen) was always open. Her love and generosity were woven into every meal and every gesture; offering eggs before you could take your coat off in her sweet southern twang and slipping a $20 bill into the hands of her grandchildren when no one was looking.

Ann’s honesty, especially in her later years, was legendary. She had a way of telling it like it was—whether it was suggesting you needed a hair touch-up after visiting the salon or letting you know you could have made a better outfit choice. 

Ann bragged endlessly about her grandchildren and you could find announcements of their accomplishments in the Moberly Monitor-Index. She loved being Nonni and could be found playing dress up and hide and seek in the two story brick colonial on Gilman Road. 

Ann’s legacy is her faith and her family. She cheered on the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoyed a rousing game of Bingo and loved the Moberly community where she and her family attended weekly mass for decades at 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays at St. Pius X. She spent the last two years in the Kansas City area at Carehaven Homes where a dedicated team of nurses and caregivers became friends. After her husband Bill passed away, Shirley Skinner became her most loyal friend and confidant. We know she's found peace in the arms of her Maker and the loved ones that left too early. Ann adored people and loved a good party, she was a gracious host who cherished the moments spent around the table, surrounded by family and friends.

A visitation was held , followed by a Funeral Mass at the St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment took place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations for Catholic education may be made to St. Pius X Church and Early Childhood Center in Moberly, Missouri or Curé of Ars Catholic Church in Leawood, Kansas. Donations can also be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, helping to fund research and support caregivers, dedications can be made in Ann’s honor.