Mary Elizabeth Riehl

Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Kyle Riehl, 75, of Guntersville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19. Born on September 12, 1950, in Charleston, West Virginia, her family later moved to Huntsville, Alabama, before settling in Guntersville. After living more than 40 years on Buck Island, Liz became known as the "animal whisperer.” She had a deep love for all animals, especially her beloved dogs and horses. Liz graduated in 1968 from Marshall County High School where she was a cheerleader and Homecoming Queen. She also spent her teenage years working as a lifeguard, training horses, and competing as a Tennessee Walking Horse champion all over the southeastern United States. She attended Auburn University, graduating with a degree in Sociology and minors in History and English. Liz worked for the Department of Pensions and Security (now known as DHR) for 13 years then retired to start a family. Music was Liz’s love language, and she always sang to her horses and other animals. In 1988, she decided to put her whole heart into pursuing a career in music. She began taking voice lessons and even went to Nashville to work with professional songwriters. Liz performed on hundreds of stages for many years and became a local legend through her country music recordings. She was a featured performer at Panoply in 1997 and received 3rd place honors in the Inspirational category at the Alabama Songwriters Festival in 2011. Her love of sharing music even extended into the local schools. Students from all over Marshall County loved to see Liz coming as their substitute teacher, guitar in hand, because they knew they’d have the joy of listening to her sing throughout the day. A big part of Liz's life has been her involvement with The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Guntersville. She was a long time member of the choir, a member of the Daughter of the King, Outreach, an office volunteer, an altar guild, and a faithful attender of the Wednesday Healing service. Singing was her core ministry, and she spent many years serving through music. She often wrote special songs for charitable organizations, church services, or people just going through a rough time. Her love, empathy, reflections, and compassion poured out of her guitar as original songs. Music was her gift from the Lord, and she presented it back as an offering every day. Those who were blessed by Liz’s music knew they’d been a part of something special. Around town, Liz was always a warm smile and a tight hug. As a realtor for South Towne Realtors, she helped many families find their dream homes. You could also find her sitting at the end of the counter at Rock House Eatery enjoying a meal with her friends. Liz made her community a part of her family, and she will be truly missed by all who loved her. Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Evelyn Brown and Russell Herndon Kyle, Jr. She leaves behind a son, Dr. Russell A Riehl (Liz) and two grandchildren; a sister, Pam Kyle Ryan (Don); and a brother K C Kyle (Rose); and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany of Guntersville on Sunday, August 9. Visitation will begin at 2:00, and the memorial service will follow at 3:00. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany of Guntersville or to the Lake Guntersville Veterinary Services.

Mary Elizabeth Riehl

September 12, 1950 - July 19, 2026