Rise Diann Casteel

Risë Diann Casteel, 73, died March 27, 2016 after a seven year long battle with Multiple System Atrophy. She was born May 14, 1942 in Waterloo Iowa, to Thelma and Lyle Cameron. Her opera-loving father named her for the mezzo-soprano Risë Stevens. She is survived by her beloved husband of 53 years, Ronald R. Casteel, daughter Eden Casteel Cowie (Ron) and daughter Liana Casteel Saas (Peter) and grandchildren John Paul Simmons, Katherine Garner-Cowie, and Malcolm, Herrick, and Trevor Saas. She is also survived by her sister Lela Bauerband, brother Bruce Cameron, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Risë graduated from The Ohio State University in 1965. She was an art teacher in Columbus Public Schools and overseas in the Philippines while her husband was stationed at Subic Bay. She also operated a successful interior design business for 30 years. Her other career was as a dynamic and creative volunteer for many community groups. When her children were small she made recordings for the blind and was a ''big sister” to a troubled teenaged girl. She served as board member and chairman of groups including Friends In Action (now One to One), and Dublin Music Boosters, and Dublin Drama Boosters. She was a member of both the Junior League of Columbus and Christ Child Society of Columbus. For many years Risë served her church as a Sunday School teacher, Bible study leader, and lay reader. She converted to Catholicism and became a master catechist at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish. She also joined the Board of Friends of The Pontifical College Josephinum, serving as chairman of the Vienna Court Ball. She also served on the board of J..O..I.N,, an social service agency of The Diocese of Columbus. Because of her interest in helping the poor, she founded three charitable groups: Pretzel Tutors, Holy Casseroles and The BibloBenefit, a fundraiser for J.O.I.N. that she organized for eleven successful years. In later years she tutored both disadvantaged children and foreign students for The Dominican Learning Center. Risë Cameron and Ron Casteel were sweethearts at Indianola Junior High. They met when she sat in front of him in homeroom. They were best friends for 60 years. Throughout her illness Ron was her “chief caregiver” and nurturing companion and she was truly grateful for his loving care, and that of their daughters. Friends may call Thursday at the RUTHERFORD FUNERAL HOME IN POWELL from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Friday April 1, 2016 at St Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church, 7179 Avery Road - Dublin, OH - 43017. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may contribute to J.O.I.N. (Joint Organization for Inner City Needs), 578 East Main Street, Columbus, OH 43215.

Rise Diann Casteel

May 14, 1942 - March 27, 2016