Yvonne Imogene Riffle, who was lovingly known as “Bon” to many, passed away peacefully at Otterbein SeniorLife in Pemberville while surrounded by loved ones on August 27, 2026 at the age of 83.
Yvonne was born to Emerson and Elizabeth (Stoudinger) Parsons on September 24, 1942 in Fostoria, Ohio. On February 22, 1964, she married Virgil (“Nick”) Riffle in a beautiful dress that her mother hand made. For 59 years, Nick and Yvonne shared a loving and steadfast marriage. They raised three children together.
An alumna of Bowling Green State University, Yvonne was a devoted educator, serving as a teacher in the Lakota School District for 37 years. For more than a decade after her retirement, she continued volunteering her time at the school.
Yvonne graduated from Risingsun High School in 1960; she chaired the Risingsun Alumni Association and spent countless hours organizing annual reunions for many years. She was a member of the First Church of God in Risingsun, a member of the Sandusky County Ohio Retired Teachers Association, and was recognized as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar.
Anyone who knew Bon knows that she never did anything halfway. Everything she did, she did with her whole heart.
Her love language was gift giving, and her family always knew they could look forward to opening many, many, many gifts on Christmas Day – so many that it was typically an all-day affair. The giftscape was always elaborate, covering the entire fireplace mantle with gifts wrapped in different paper for each individual member of the family.
She was a collector. She had large collections of Beanie Babies, uranium glass, Vera Bradley bags, jewelry and shoes for every occasion, seasonal decor, school supplies, and everything purple she could possibly find. Yvonne could always be found in a snazzy, well-coordinated outfit with the perfect accessories.
The most notable thing she did with her whole heart was love her family. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She was the pillar of the family and truly the light of all of their lives.
Yvonne is survived by her children: Kerry Riffle, Nicki (Jeff) Collum, and Amy (Jeff) Converse; grandchildren: Seth (Taylor) Collum, Alec Collum, Autumn (John) Williams, Karter (Anna) Converse, and Averie Converse; sister Becky (Jim) Sworden and brother James (Deb) Parsons; sisters-in-law Darlene Ernsberger and Carmella Riffle; four great-grandchildren: Melody, Jacob, Leroy, and Remus; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, parents-in-law Virgil and Rosaline, brother-in-law Rich and sister-in-law Diana, brother-in-law Kevin, and infant great-granddaughter, Alice.
Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, September 1st from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 2nd at the Marsh & Marsteller Funeral Home in Woodville, Ohio. There will be additional visitation the day of the service from 10 a.m., until service time. Officiating will be Certified Celebrant Jozie Hickman. Her family invites everyone to join them in honoring Yvonne by wearing her very favorite color, purple.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warriors Project. Additionally, the family is accepting donations to establish a scholarship fund in Yvonne’s honor that will go to local high school seniors pursuing a career in education. Scholarship donations can be made to the care of Nicki Collum.
On-line condolences can be shared with the family at www.marshfuneralhomes.com.
