Emily Jeanette Reichel

Emily Jeanette Reichel exited this earthly life on January 5, 2025.
 
On August 16, 1929, Jeanette was born to the late John Clarence Rikel and Mabel (Heron) Rikel in Paducah, Kentucky.
 
When Jeanette was five years old, the family moved into the house on Clark Line Road built by her grandfather. She and her brother Jimmie grew up close to beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, who the rest of us feel like we knew from the stories she told. In her parents’ later years, she cared for them in the home where they raised her and, after their passings, fixed it up to be her own cherished home, always connected to the close-knit generations of Rikels who came before her. She was fiercely proud of her family heritage, changing her name to the original Reichel belonging to those who originally came from Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany.
 
Music brought joy to Jeanette’s life since her childhood. Her father saved $25.00 to buy her a used piano when she was ten years old. That piano was a friend to her. Later in life, she returned to school studying piano and voice, an accomplishment for which she was unceasingly proud, and which furthered her career as a piano teacher. Her students were her best friends filling her home with their energy and music throughout the week. Jeanette was a long-time member of the Paducah Symphony Chorus and took several performing tours through Europe. Following these experiences, she was very interested in cultural exchange. In 1995, Jeanette hosted Hege, an exchange student from Norway, for nine months. Later she was able to visit Hege in her Norwegian home, a true immersion in each other’s homes and lives.
 
She is survived by her brother, Jim Rikel, and her three sons, of whom she was immensely proud: David Mathis with his wife Heather, Gary Mathis with his wife Tina, John Mathis with his wife Larissa, as well as six grandchildren: Trent, Nathan, Sara, Julie, Carla, and Amber. She also has ten great-grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends and former students who were blessed by her and will mourn her passing.
 
There will be no services or visitation held at this time.
 
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.hughesfuneral.com.
 
Hughes Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.