Riekie Vernon Alles

Frances Hendrika Vernon Ehrlich Alles (Riekie) passed away on July 8, 2026. Born in May 1931 in Syracuse, New York, she was the beloved daughter of Betsy and Leroy Vernon. Growing up, Riekie sang in her church choir, reigned as prom queen, and was voted Most Popular girl in her senior year of high school.

Riekie was a lifelong learner with a passion for helping others. She attended Syracuse University, earned her RN designation from Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City, and later received both her Bachelor’s degree and a Master of Social Work from SUNY Stony Brook. Professionally, she spent many years as a dedicated labor and delivery nurse before founding and directing the Childbearing Family Alliance of Long Island.

Her commitment to service extended deep into her community. Riekie volunteered with the Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and the Healing Order of St. Luke. She served as Sunday School Superintendent at the First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, was an active member of the United Methodist Women, and became a Certified Lay Minister at Oakhurst United Methodist Church. She also lent her leadership to the boards of the Coalition for Parents and Children and the Family Service League, and proudly volunteered as a social worker assisting workers at the World Trade Center site following 9/11.

Riekie was married to her first husband, Jack Ehrlich, for 25 years, a union that blessed her with two children. She later met and married the love of her life, Richard Alles, happily expanding her heart as a second mother to his four children. She is survived by her son, Timothy Ehrlich (Anna); her daughter, Lisa Ehrlich; and her step-children, Tracy Annese (Jim), Rick Alles (Marcella), David Alles (Pete), and Dr. Steven Alles (Simon); and daughter-in-law Carolyn Alles. She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and an abundance of extended family. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul and Laur Vernon.

To know Riekie was to love her. She was remarkably intelligent yet deeply humble, non-judgmental, and welcoming. She possessed a rare gift for building instant rapport, making everyone she encountered feel uniquely important and loved. A steadfast source of wisdom, advice, and positivity, she remained deeply thankful for her family and concerned for others until the very end. Riekie carried with her a legacy of immense love, positive energy, and the gratitude of more than 1,000 people she selflessly helped throughout her beautiful lifetime.

A viewing will be held on Monday, July 20, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Serenity Funeral Home, Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida.

The Celebration of Riekie's Life will be held on Wednesday, July 22, at Oakhurst United Methodist Church on Park Boulevard, Seminole, Florida. The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person at www.oakhurstumc.com.

Her ashes will be interred at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, Riekie requested that donations be made in her memory to Oakhurst United Methodist Church at www.oakhurstumc.com.