RITA VIEL

RITA VIEL 01/11/1930 - 12/13/2025 With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Rita C. Viel (nee Rolfes) who departed this world peacefully on December 13, 2025, at the extraordinary age of 95. Born on January 11, 1930, in Cincinnati, Rita was the cherished youngest daughter of Harry and Mary Louise (nee Lang) Rolfes and the beloved member of a large and vibrant family, being the youngest of 15 siblings of Harry and 6th of Mary Louise. Rita was a proud graduate of Seton High School and went on to earn her degree from Good Samaritan School of Nursing. Her compassionate spirit shone throughout her career as a nurse for Dr. Morris and Dr. Bauman, where she was deeply loved by her patients. Even in retirement, Rita continued her calling by helping many families keep their loved ones at home during life's final journey, embodying the essence of selflessness and care that defined her life. In an extraordinary act of love, Rita moved in with her sister, Stella Jaisle, after Stella was widowed in 1955, helping to raise Stella's three children - Richard, Dennis, and Suzanne. Later Stella passed and Rita became a second mom to the three. After William Viel and Rita married on September 8, 1962, she moved to their farm in West Harrison and Suzanne "Sue" moved to the farm with them. An active member of Harrison Nazarene Church, Rita's unwavering faith spurred her to contribute generously to her community. She was honored as the Woman of the Year by The Xi Eta Lota Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of Harrison, Ohio, in 1980, recognizing her relentless commitment to making the world around her a better place. Rita loved playing cards with family and friends, and her passion for gardening was evident in the way she cared for the window boxes of her beloved farm. Her laughter and warmth will forever echo in the hearts of all who knew her. She is survived by her sons, Matthew and Thomas (Amy) Viel; her grandchildren, Alexis and Jared Viel; her bonus granddaughter Erin Barhorst (daughter of Sue); and numerous cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins. Rita is now reunited with her devoted husband, William; her loving parents; her dear siblings: Cecilia (John) Tumlin, Estella (Fred) Jaisle, Margaret (Ed) Culman, Alma, Leo (Carolyne), Eugene (Helen), Paul (Dorothy), Alfred (Kathleen) Rolfes, Charlotte (Ralph) Wiwi, Anna May (James) Lang, Harry (Alice) Rolfes, Richard (Jean) Rolfes, Thomas (Dorothy) Rolfes, Betty (Charles) Jonas; and her bonus children Richard and Dennis Jaisle, and Suzanne Barhorst. Though her absence is felt profoundly, her love and legacy will forever remain in our hearts. Friends and family were invited to celebrate Rita's remarkable life during visitation at Brater Winter Funeral Home, 201 S. Vine Street, Harrison, on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. Burial followed at Glen Haven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harrison Church of the Nazarene in her memory.