Barbara "Bunnie" Ann Riel (Maurer)

Barbara Ann “Bunnie” Riel (Maurer) passed away peacefully at home the morning of November 11, 2025, at the age of 81, with her loving sister, Susan, by her side.

She was born on December 2, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas, to Allen and Jane Maurer, during her father’s service as an officer in the Army Air Corps. Her lifelong nickname, Bunnie, was given to her as a baby after someone remarked she was “such a cute little bunny.” Raised in Ohio, she attended Berea High School and graduated in 1962. Her professional journey included dedicated service as an executive secretary at Ford Junior High School and later at Warner & Swasey, where she met her husband, William Riel (predeceased). They were married in the Baldwin Wallace College chapel and shared almost 50 years together in Ohio.

William and Bunnie lived in a farmhouse in Black Snake Hill in Dover, Ohio where she found her greatest happiness embracing country life- riding tractors, bailing hay, milking cows, tending goats, riding horses, and cultivating a vibrant garden full of vegetables and flowers. Her compassion extended deeply to animals; she cherished her cats and dogs, many of whom were strays and rescues. She especially treasured her beloved companion dog Harley, who passed away two years ago.

Bunnie was an avid bowler and took great pride in the trophies her team earned. She enjoyed drawing Micky Mouse characters, coloring, classic movies, looking at house plans, the joy of Christmastime, and a banana with peanut butter on it. The holidays were always a little more special when Bunnie was making her famous peanut butter pie, her noodles from scratch or her delicious dinner rolls with caramel and nuts. If you ever received a letter or card from Bunnie, she had the most perfect handwriting and was always so thoughtful of others.

From childhood, Bunnie cherished the summer months, delighting in the weeks spent with her parents, sister, and cousins on the beaches of Staten Island. In her later years, Bunnie made her home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, to be near her sister, Susan. She embraced the warm weather, sunshine, and days spent lounging by the pool. Despite the challenges of dementia, Bunnie faced them with courage, grace, and a sense of humor- often expressed through a shake of the head or a playful eyeroll to her sister.

Above all, she loved her family, especially her five nieces- Heather (Ogilvie) Gilliland, Michele (Ogilvie) Wright, Carrie (Ogilvie) Hammer, Caitlin (Kelly) McCue, and Sarah (Kelly) Steyert- whom she loved as if they were her own children. She also leaves behind great nephews Matthew, Kyle, Evan, Owen, Barrett, Grant, Shane, and Rhys, and great nieces Amanda, Madison, Paige, Emma, Elise, and Shioban. Bunnie is also survived by her dear cousin, Jill (Dooling) Simmelink, who was like a sister to her; her sister-in-law and best friend, April Riel; and most of all, her devoted sister and caregiver, Susan (Maurer Ogilvie) Kelly.

Bunnie’s legacy of love, compassion, and gentle kindness will continue to inspire us, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

A private memorial will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local animal rescue organization of your choice.

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