Pamela Helen Riel

Pamela Helen Riel (Kaff), 72, passed away on March 5, 2026, in Bakersfield, California, following a severe and rare stroke. Pam was remembered as a loving and caring Nana, mother, wife, and friend, whose deep faith in God and kindness toward those in need touched everyone around her.

Born on February 21, 1954, in Bakersfield, California, Pam was the youngest of four siblings. She met her beloved husband, David Riel, through Campus Crusade for Christ in 1975, and they married on August 26, 1978. She was a proud mother to Jonathan, Benjamin, and Elise Riel, and an active and devoted Nana to her grandchildren, Kelly Riel and Abigail Riel.

Pam worked as a Marriage and Family Therapist until her retirement in 2018. She possessed a beautiful singing voice and performed as an actress with the Bakersfield Civic Light Opera and Star’s Musical Theater. After experiencing hearing loss, she became a regular attendee of the deaf church at Laurelglen Bible Church. In retirement, she found great joy in caring for her beloved dog, Jazzy, and her six cats. She loved visiting Disneyland to see Goofy and traveling to Phoenix to spend time with her granddaughter Abigail.

Pam is now singing and dancing in Heaven. Her generous spirit and willingness to help others will live on through the many lives she touched, and her light will continue to shine in the cherished memories she leaves behind.