Candice Lee Jones-RiessSeptember 23, 1955 – April 30, 2026

Candice Lee Jones-Riess, lovingly known to many simply as “Candy,” passed away on April 30, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio, at the age of 70. Born on September 23, 1955, to Lawrence and Betty Jones, Candice spent her life loving fiercely, laughing loudly, and making every room she entered feel a little warmer and a little more alive.

Candice’s passing comes only two and a half weeks after the heartbreaking loss of her only daughter and very best friend, Amanda Riess — a reunion her family can only imagine was filled with the biggest hug imaginable. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Betty Jones, and her sister, Shelly Jones.

She leaves behind the loves of her life: her grandchildren, Kennedy and Jacob Riess, and her great-granddaughter, Brylee Riess, all of whom she adored beyond words. Her family was her entire world, and there was truly nothing she would not do for the people she loved.

Candice had a rare kind of spirit — genuine, hilarious, loving, and unapologetically herself. She could make people laugh without even trying and had a way of turning ordinary moments into stories that would be retold for years. She was the kind of person who could be sarcastic one second, heartfelt the next, and somehow make both feel like home.

She shared a special bond with her dear friends Angela and Lynn, who were family to her in every way that mattered. One of her favorite recent memories was attending Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour with Angela — something she talked about often and absolutely loved. Candice was, without question, a true Swiftie through and through.

She also treasured the simple things in life: sitting on the porch watching birds, laughing with her neighbor Willena during the week, and spending weekends at one of her favorite places — her job at Microtel. To Candice, Microtel was never “just work.” It was a second family, filled with people she cared deeply about.

Candice was incredibly talented and could sketch nearly anything placed in front of her. Her creativity showed up in everything she touched. In more recent years, she became fascinated with AI filters and loved taking funny pictures and making people laugh with them. If there was a way to turn a normal photo into something ridiculous, she was absolutely going to find it.

Animals held a huge place in Candice’s heart, especially her beloved cats, Bubsie and Sabine, who probably ruled the house exactly the way they intended to. And while the dogs may not have always been “the favorites,” Nahla, Nova, and Nunu still managed to earn their own special places in her heart — whether she admitted it or not.

Some of Candice’s happiest memories came from her younger days growing up on the Westside of Cincinnati, spending sunny afternoons at the Phillips Swim Club with childhood friends, creating the kinds of memories that stay with a person forever.

Candice was truly one of a kind — funny, stubborn, artistic, caring, loyal, and full of personality. A real rockstar in her own way. The kind of person you never fully get over losing because people like her leave fingerprints on every life they touch.

Her family is currently planning a Celebration of Life, with details to be announced at a later date.

In the meantime, her loved ones ask that you remember Candice the way she would have wanted: with laughter, good stories, music turned up loud, and maybe a funny filtered photo or two.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Riess family. Please click the "Tribute Wall" icon above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the Riess family during this difficult time. Please call 513.251.6200 or visit www.HerbWalker.com for additional information.