Bonnie Jean Riffel, 67, of Mt. Vernon, MO passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at her home. She was born Oct. 14, 1955, in Covina, Calif., the daughter of Joseph Liues and Jean Ardelle (Shafer) Frongello.

She was a 1974 graduate of Saint Marys High School in St. Marys, Penn. She worked at the Lawrence County Manor in Mt. Vernon, as a CNA and doing office work and helping with the activities. At the time of her passing, she was working in maintenance at the Ozark Travel Center in Mt. Vernon. She enjoyed arts and crafts and was a member of Mt. Vernon American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Aurora, the (N.R.A.) National Rifle Association and B.A.C.A. (Bikers Against Child Abuse).

On March 12, 1985, she married George James “Pappy” Riffel, in Clarion, Penn., they were married 38 years before he passed away on May 3, 2023.

She is survived by her mother, Jean Ardell Herzing, of Coudersport, Penn.; two sons, Joe Forsythe and his fiancée, Lisa Powel, of Riverview, Fla. and Jake (Bonnie Joe) Forsythe of Penn Yan, N.Y.; two sisters, Joellen (Michael) Standard of Woodstock, Ill. and Julie (Jim) Neffe of Mt. Holly Springs, Penn.; one brother, George Herzing of Austin, Penn. and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; stepfather, Leo Herzing; husband, George “Pappy” Riffel and one brother, Gary Herzing.

A celebration of life was held on Sunday, Oct. 8, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 18896 Lawrence 2185 in Aurora.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the Mt. Vernon Veterans Assistance League for their activities fund, in care of the funeral home.