Adele Marie Ribar was born September 24, 1917 to Wilbur and Marie Adele (McClair) Johnson in Detroit. After her mother passed away in the flu epidemic of 1918, she was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Grace Adair and Homer, in Cleveland. She attended Notre Dame High school, studying piano for 14 years. As a young woman, Adele taught piano, worked as a medical assistant, and cared for her soon-to-be nieces and nephews. She married Frank J Ribar on July 13, 1944 while he was on leave from WWII. They shared a loving and faith-filled relationship, active in St. Thomas Aquinas parish until 1967 when they moved the family to Euclid. Adele espoused a rare, unconditional love that drew people to her, especially those in distress or emotional pain.
On September 9, 2018—two weeks shy of her 101st birthday—Adele passed away as she lived, peaceful and undemanding.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Adele Marie, and her husband Frank.
Adele is survived by daughters Marie (Tom Luvison), Kitty (Bryant Moeckel), and Anita (Tom Erzen); and son Gerry. Adele leaves 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren—Tim (Vicky), Mark, and Matt (Katie) Luvison; Johanna Judd (Seth) and Ian Moeckel; Tyler Catanella; Renee Orr (Joe) and Amy Erzen. Her great grandchildren are Vince, Valerie, Dominic, Joe, Jack, Olivia, and two more expected.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Ohio Living Breckenridge Village Life Care Fund (36855 Ridge Road, Willoughby, Ohio 44094) and/or Hospice of the Western Reserve (17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110). Cremation by DeJohn Crematory. In celebration of Adele, the family will receive friends at THE ZEVNIK-COSIC FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS (28890 CHARDON ROAD), SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2-6 PM. Mass of Christian burial MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2018 at 10 AM at Divine Word Catholic Church, (Please Meet at Church) 8100 Eagle Road, Kirtland, OH 44094.
Charity Name: HOSPICE OF THE WESTERN RESERVE INC
Charity EIN: 341256377
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Del Tekieli
Dear Ribar Family, I feel like you were all part of my family. Adele mentored me like a second mother or favorite aunt. Of course, Neene (Anita) was the favorite babysitter. My children bragged about Adele making the best peanut butter sandwiches with thick bread & regular butter too. Adele helped me raise my children. She was always soooo loving and sweet. She had a special grace about her. We loved her. Living to be 101 was a gift to all that knew her and her family.