Obituaries

Donna Marie Riegler, 68, of Erlanger KY passed away on January 15, 2024. Loving mother of Amy (Zaine Ford) Fletcher. Cherished grandmother of Matthew Young, Avery Young, Lucille Young, and Maren “Jasper” Fletcher; proud great-grandmother of Rhett Young. Dear sister of Mary (Marvin) Hennemann, James (Cathy) Riegler, William (Kimiko) Riegler, Judy (Tom) Niehaus, Robert (Debbie) Riegler, and Glenn (Laurie) Riegler; and aunt of multiple generations of nieces and nephews. Beloved lifelong friend of Anita (Billy) Baxter.

Donna was born on October 26, 1955 to the late Frank J. and Mary K. Riegler (née Laile) and grew up in Elsmere, KY, graduating from Lloyd Memorial High School in 1973. A bright student, Donna was a member of the National Honor Society, and as a young adult was eager to prove her determination and assert her independence– and in that poetic way that life seems to have of going “full circle,” the last few years of her life were again largely defined and driven by that same desire to remain independent, even as her ailing health made that increasingly difficult. After a rough few years, in and out of the hospital, and more falls than any one person should ever have to endure, her circumstances played out in such a way that she indeed spent her last few weeks on Earth right where she’d been so intent on spending them– in her home. Though the arrangement was far from ideal, she enjoyed a few weeks of being in her own familiar surroundings, cared for, attended to, deeply loved, and– most importantly to her– able to make her own decisions with dignity and respect.

None of us are ready to say goodbye to our Mom, Sister, Nonna, dear friend, kind neighbor… but this is how the final chapter in her story has ended, and we’ll all treasure our memories of her unique sense of humor, hugs from the heart, and determined spirit.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be planned in the Spring at the family’s convenience. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to United Christian Volunteers, 15 Kenton St, Elsmere KY 41018. Don Catchen & Son Funeral Home, Elsmere, assisting the family at this time.