Avenell Riebsomer

Avenell Riebsomer, of Connersville, passed away encircled by loving family on December 10, 2016 at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. Avenell was born September 20, 1939 in Waneta, Kentucky to Elmer and Dahlia Marcum Sparks. She moved to Connersville in 1956 and worked at the Mari-Nella Resturant until she married Donald Riebsomer on March 29, 1958 at East Side United Methodist Church. Avenell was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her granddaughters were the whole world to her. Avenell was passionate about the outdoors and excelled at gardening and mushroom hunting. She and life-long friend, Katie Hreno traveled to Michigan for many years to hunt morel mushrooms. Avenell also enjoyed traveling and bargain hunting at garage sales. She was a graduate of Connersville High school. Avenell was a Republican precinct chair for C-2A for many years and was also a poll worker. She was a member of Eta Pi Kappa Sorority. Avenell was accorded the title and honor of Kentucky Colonel by Governor Wendell Ford. Avenell was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister and six brothers. Avenell is survived by her son: Nick Riebsomer and his wife, Patty of Brookville; her daughter: Ann King and her husband, Donald of Thomasville, Georgia. Avenell was blessed by three granddaughters: Kristin Riebsomer and her husband, Travis Lampke, of Bloomington; Paige Riebsomer of Muncie; Sarah King of Dayton, Ohio. Surviving siblings include: Trudy Caldwell of Connersville; Aileen Bennett of Laurel; Nollie Hatfield ;Thelma Sparks; Gary Sparks, all of London, Kentucky; Donnie, Darrell and Gerald Sparks, all of McKee, Kentucky. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday where memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Fayette County Foundation. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.