Bonnie Boettcher Riley, 73, of Huntingtown, Maryland, passed away on May 25, 2024 with her daughter and son-in-law by her side.
She was born on August 1, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She is preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Larry Vincent Riley, and her beloved son, Sean Vincent Riley. She is also preceded in death by her father, Marvin Boettcher and her mother, Helen Boettcher.
Bonnie grew up in Oxon Hill, MD and always shared fond memories of her childhood home in the South Lawn community.
After graduating from Oxon Hill High School, Bonnie began working as a secretary for the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO where she retired in 2000. Alongside her career, she raised her family in the Marlton community of Upper Marlboro, MD.
Bonnie was an extremely active person throughout her life, even in her final years. Early in her adult life, she developed a passion for the equestrian world, specifically dressage. She took pride in each of her horses - Mimi, Shakespeare, Justin, Rhett, and Expresso - and her very own equestrian property, aptly named Crazy Mazy Acres in honor of her son Sean's favorite phrase. Her desire for movement persisted with various sports including swimming, aerobics, soccer, and running, which eventually turned to walking. She was a well-known attendee of "body pump" and "body combat" classes at her local gym.
Horses were not her singular devotion to animals. Her home was rarely without a cat, owning five over the years. She also dedicated much of her time as a volunteer at Calvert Animal Welfare League (CAWL) for many years, serving in various roles and encouraging friends and family to adopt several dogs over the years. Bonnie also loved all her grand dogs immensely.
When she wasn't on the move, her hands and mind kept her at work. She had a love for puzzles across the spectrum - crossword, jigsaw, word search, and wordle, to name a few - which evolved into a love for game shows, particularly of the trivia variety - Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were staples on her television.
One thing remained especially true of Bonnie throughout her life - her faith. Over the years, she became a true student of her faith as well, spending many years actively involved in BSF - Bible Study Fellowship. Above all else, her favorite way to spend time was alongside her devoted husband Larry. You could most often find them working tirelessly on their home and yard or attending all their grandchildren's activities. Of the hundreds of baseball games, soccer games, basketball games, horse shows, and school activities on the calendar, they rarely missed an opportunity to show up in support of their family.
Bonnie is survived by her daughter, Lori Lusby and son-in-law Jim Lusby of Prince Frederick, MD, grandson, Brian Lusby, granddaughter Rachel Lusby, and sisters Heidi DeConcini and Erika Burch. She is also survived by her loving in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Lee Funeral Home Calvert, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on Friday, May 31, 2024 from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm where a Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 pm in the Funeral Home Chapel. She will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, MD 20735 immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bonnie to Hospice of the Chesapeake or Calvert Animal Welfare League (CAWL).
Friday, May 31, 2024
10:30am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Lee Funeral Home Calvert
Friday, May 31, 2024
12:00 - 1:00 pm (Eastern time)
Lee Funeral Home Calvert
Friday, May 31, 2024
1:30 - 2:00 pm (Eastern time)
Resurrection Cemetery
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