Bonnie J. Rickel (Rowland), 85, of Mansfield, died Wednesday, August 2, 2023 following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Rickel was born on September 4, 1937 in New Matamoras, Ohio and resided in the Ashland-Mansfield area for most of her life. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1955, Samaritan School of Nursing in 1958, and obtained a Masters Degree in Psychology from Ashland University in 1991. Mrs. Rickel started her nursing career at the Ravenna, Ohio Hospital with a part-time position, and within a short period was a full-time nurse at Akron General Hospital. She was then added to the staff at Samaritan Hospital when the family moved back to Ashland. She worked for a short period at Willard Community Hospital before finishing her career with 32 years at Med Central Hospital in Mansfield in the nursing office.
Bonnie’s passion to help others led to a rewarding career in nursing. She enjoyed time with her family and friends, and had a knack for finding the BINGO halls and the thrill of the game.
She is survived by her sons Jeffrey Rickel and wife Bonnie of Lexington, Ohio, and David Rickel and wife Sandy of Delta Junction, Alaska, seven grandchildren Robert (Kerry) Rickel of Mansfield, Randall Rickel of Ontario, Jennifer (Scott) Lang of Ashland, Andrew (Trish) Rickel of Shelby, Stephanie (James) Phillips of Lexington, Kaylyn (Thomas) Boettner of Roanoke, Virginia, and Emily Rickel of Fruit Cove, Florida, as well as a numerous number of nieces and nephews.
Bonnie is preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Lottie Rowland, her beloved husband of 45 years Robert R. Rickel, son Robert R. Rickel Jr., daughter Cheryl L. Brown, and numerous sisters and brothers.
At Bonnie’s request, she was be cremated with was have no calling hours or funeral services. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 1425 King Rd, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Bonnie’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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