Michelle "Shelly" A. (Sauder) Riel

Michelle A. “Shelly” (Sauder) Riel, age 56 of Mansfield, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Born January 4, 1969, she was the daughter of Larry L. and Joyce A. (Hunger) Sauder. She was a resident of Mansfield and Richland County, attending Madison High School, where she graduated in 1987. Shelly was a majorette in high school. She had a love for horses, and after graduating, she took classes at the University of Kentucky. Shelly also worked for her dad, owner of Sauder Seamless Spouting, for many years.

She enjoyed going to Antique Tractor Pulls around Mansfield and neighboring communities where her dad and her son Blake, the love of her life, pulled. Blake and her dad pulled Allis Chalmers tractors. Shelly was a cheerleader and friend to all the pullers. She was not only a cheerleader and a spectator, but she even pulled herself. In addition, she helped Blake, Larry, and good friend Art Williams with their weights, too.

She enjoyed being outdoors. She loved flowers and all animals, so working in her flowerbed as well as feeding and watching the birds always made her smile.

Shelly is survived by her father Larry L. Sauder and step-mother Linda S. (Thompson) Sauder; her son Blake Riel; her sister-in-law Pamela Sauder; numerous special aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and the very special man in her life, Tim Mills.

She was preceded in death by her mother Joyce A. (Hunger) Sauder; her brother Steven L. Sauder; her grandparents Karl F. Hunger, Mary C. (Hamilton) Hunger Liebhart, and Robert and Wilma (Kimbell) Sauder; and step-grandparent Bob Liebhart.

The family would like to thank Hospice of the Western Reserve for the loving care and support over the past 2 years. Heartfelt thanks to Gretchen, Lynn, and Tara for the special relationship they developed with Shelly. They were each a blessing.

The family would also like to thank the doctor, nurses, and assistants at UH Samaritan Hospital in Ashland. Shelly received the best care the last days of her life, and they also took care of her family.

Friends may call on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield. Services will immediately follow at 2:00 pm, conducted by Byron Schumaker.

Shelly chose to be cremated. A private graveside will be held at Lantz Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.

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