Frances S. Riha

Frances S. Riha, nee Stamas, age 96, passed away peacefully in her home April 2, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Raymond R. Riha, Sr., of 65 years; devoted and loving mother of Raymond R., Jr (Sherrie), Stephanie (George) Deolitsis; Proud grandmother of Rachel (Niko) Haralampopoulos, Nicole (Dean) Vlahos and Alyssa (Patrick Ryan), D.J., Alaina Frances, Jenna Rae and Drew Deolitsis and great grandmother of Athan Haralampopoulos , Stelios and Sophia Rey Vlahos; Daughter of the late Gust and Stella (Kosmas) Stamas; Loving Sister to Peter (the late Patricia), the late Helen (Mike), Mary (James), George (Bessie K), Rose (Frank), John (Edna), Bessie, Tom (Christine), Louis (Lillian), Katherine (George), and Esther (Tom); Daughter-in-law of the late Leopold and Mary (Kostner) Riha, Dearest Sister-in-law to the late Joseph (Lillian), Mae (John), Bil l(Sylvia) and Eddie (Mary); Beloved caregivers Abeer and Smilka; Fond aunt, cousin, Godmother, and friend to many.

 Frances was a hard-working and independent woman who spent much of her life as an entrepreneur. She, alongside her loving husband Raymond Sr., founded the Office Equipment Company of Chicago. Through over 60 years of hard work and perseverance, they grew OEC to be one of the top furniture and design dealerships in the nation, furnishing many of the corporate headquarters in Chicago until they sold and retired in 2014. As the CEO of a certified women-owned business, Frances traveled the world as a trailblazer and was an inspiration to women in the industry. She was a natural-born leader who leveraged her intelligence and candor to guide those who relied on her. Although she achieved many great accomplishments in her career, those who knew her best will always remember how loving she was to her family and friends. They will remember her as a gentle woman with a fabulous sense of fashion. They will remember her as a devoted mother, and a witty grandmother. Most of all, they will remember her as an incredibly kind-hearted and caring person who did anything to make her loved ones smile.

Frances also served as President (1969) of Daughters of Penelope Homer Chapter #98, served as a Board Member and President of Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Women’s Club, also served as a Founding Member and Board Member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church Philoptochos.

Frances lived a wonderful life and she will be greatly missed. 

Visitation, Monday, April 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Russo's Hillside Chapels 4500 Roosevelt Road. Hillside, IL. 60162. Family and friends are requested to please meet Tuesday morning at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 601 S. Central Ave. Chicago, IL. 60644 for 9:30 a.m. Funeral service. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago. For additional information, (708) 449-5300. Please visit Frances's personal tribute website at www.russohillsidechapels.com and sign guestbook.

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