Isabelle (Bella) Ciola-Ritari

Isabelle (Bella) Ciola-Ritari, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away on October 19, 2025, at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville, NC. Born on July 4, 1957, in Portsmouth, Virginia. Isabelle’s spirit was as vibrant as the fireworks that celebrated her birth.

Isabelle will forever be remembered for her infectious laugh, and the unwavering strength demonstrated throughout her life. She loved to be surrounded by friends and family, especially when she could showcase her love for cooking. She had a unique ability to draw people in, and a maternal instinct to care for all around her. Her artistic abilities are show cased in her numerous paintings that focused on nature and animals which she loved to be surrounded by. Isabelle loved dragonflies, and we have found peace in realizing she embodied so many of their traits from their unique, beautiful colors to their exceptional strength. Many believe that dragonflies are souls from departed loved ones; we find peace in this theory and will forever be remembering her with every dragonfly we see. She had two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Beau and Fancy whom she loved deeply, as well as her cat Jingles.

Her memory will live on through her remaining family which includes her devoted husband of seven years, Eric Ritarl, her only child Peter Jeffers and his wife Beth Jeffers, and their children Chandler, Branton, Brayden Jeffers, Anna Jeffers, and Corle Jeffers. Her siblings Michael Ciola and his wife Robyn. Andrea Pizzanello and her husband Ron, and Adrienne Ciola Davis. Also remembering her with love and gratitude are her niece and nephews: Robbie Dodd, Gregory Biner. Erica Poston, Za Ciola, and Trevor Pizzanello.

A Memorial will be held at a later date.

The care of Bella has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville