On November 4, 2022, this loving, kind, and gentle soul passed away after a long illness, leaving a grieving family missing him beyond measure. Ralph and his wife Ann have been residents of Willoughby Hills for the past 27 years. Ralph was an educator first and foremost. After completing his machinist apprenticeship at Warner & Swasey, he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and ultimately a Doctorate in Philosophy from Walden’s Institute for Advanced Studies. All of this after proudly serving in the United States Army during the Korean War.
During his 30 years as a resident of Euclid, he used his love for education and became a life-long teacher, admired by his students. After retirement Ralph became a wellness educator, mastering Reiki and reflexology. He taught these practices at a local community college and volunteered his gift at wellness centers and senior retirement homes.
Born February 13, 1929, you could say Ralph was a man of many interests. He built 2 homes with his son, as well as boats and cars in their garage on Buena Vista Drive. An accomplished long bow archer and early member of Geauga Bowman Archery Club, he helped develop their famous African Safari. Ralph also enjoyed golf, tennis and bow hunting.
Ralph was also a life-long musician, playing guitar, bass and banjo, and band member that played the greater Cleveland area. Through the years he gave guitar and bass lessons at an establish music studio before starting his own and even invented a guitar for beginners with movable frets to ease the pressure needed to produce a note. After retirement, Ralph took his music and volunteered at senior centers and hospitals, inspiring patients in their recovery.
Ralph is survived by Ann (Polis), his wife of 72 years, his son Gregg (wife Diane), daughters Laura Sibert-Cardoza (husband Billy) and Lisa Anderson (husband Ted), four grand-children Josh, Tyler, and Alexis Anderson, Zachary Sibert, great-grandchild Sloane Anderson, beloved sister Nancy Scheid (husband Edward).
Preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Cecelia (Puncoh) Sibert.
May he rest in peace for eternity.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ralph Sibert to Hospice of the Western Reserve or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Cremation and arrangements entrusted to THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD.
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Jack Wallingford
Dear Ann and Family, Ralph and I became friends sometime in the 80’s as members of Geauga Bowmen. In addition to his development of the African Safari, Ralph was instrumental in helping me with our Traditional Spring Turkey Shoot, using his preferred method of archery, longbows and recurves. In addition he supported me in my career in the automobile industry during the wild 80’s and 90’s. It was so great to meet his son and provide him with the Landcruiser he had been looking for.
Ralph was unaware of my own move into teaching twenty years ago because of our respective residency moves and other factors. I did, however, run into him at a flyfishing show I was attending in Kirkland Hills. We had lunch and coffee and laughed at the good old days, and mutual friends. Joe Vitale was one of our friends, and unfortunately he is long deceased or he would be with me mourning the passing of our close friend, Ralph.
May all the best be with you and your family during this trying time. I very much missed Ralph during the twenty five years I lived in the country. I miss him so much more after reading the obituary today.
With Love and Respect
Jack Wallingford
Billy Cardoza
Ralph Sibert was my father-in- law as I married his beautiful daughter Laura. I have always been treated like a son by Ralph and Ann and for that I am forever grateful. I will miss him very much as we had some fun times together but fortunately we still have his loving wife Ann. RIP Ralph your are missed by many.
With love and respect.
Billy
Sister Nancy Ann
We left Cleveland fifty years ago and have kept in contact with Ralph and
Ann during this entire period. I have precious memories of our youth to-
gether. My brother played in a band and I watched him on television
several Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and danced to his music. I have prayed for
Ralph and his family at Mass for many years and will continue until we
meet again
Sister Nancy Ann
We left Cleveland fifty years ago and have kept in contact with Ralph and
Ann during this entire period. I have precious memories of our youth . My brother played in a band and I watched him on television
several Sundays at 12:30 p.m. and danced to his music. I have prayed for
Ralph and his family at Mass for many years and will continue until we
meet again