Mary Louise "Mary Lou" Riffel

Mary Louise “Mary Lou” Riffel was born on November 22, 1940 in Trinidad, Colorado to Marvin Andrew “Jack” and Charlotte Louise “Patty” Coke. She passed away on March 29, 2023 in Shreveport, Louisiana at the age of 82.

The best phrase to describe Mary Lou Riffel is one-of-a-kind. Ever since she was born in Trinidad, Colorado, she has had a feisty personality. She grew up and graduated from high school there. She met her soulmate in Denver and married him in 1964. They soon celebrated the birth of their first daughter. When they moved to Tucson, Arizona, they were blessed with a son and then their youngest daughter. After pursuing several career options at many different colleges, she finally found her passion in social work. She graduated from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana, and even earned hours towards a master’s degree. She worked for several non-profit organizations around the country before retiring and returning to Shreveport where she died peacefully at home with her devoted husband at her side. She was a spiritual woman with an artistic flair. She enjoyed creating stained glass , especially for the Renaissance Pleasure Faire, volunteering, sewing, gardening, going on adventures, and spending time with her family. She had the wackiest sense of humor and the best laugh that could clear a movie theater or a restaurant. The world is a sadder place without her big personality in it.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Chuck and Jack; sister-in law, Carol; and nieces, Heidi and Timie. She is survived by her loving husband, John Riffel; daughter, Renee Bull (Edward); son, Levi Riffel (Eryn); grandchildren, Charlotte and John Levi; daughter, Jennifer Hanson (Greg); along with beloved nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Cancer Research or Nature Conservancy.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Ultris Island Park Clubhouse, 2901 Paradise Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana with a fellowship to follow. Officiating the service will be Reverend Suzanne Wolfenbarger.