Obituary of William James Ribitch

William and Joan Ribitch It is with profound sadness that the family of William James Ribitch, 85, announces his unexpected passing on January 5, 2018, followed closely after by the passing of his beloved wife, Joan Stella Ribitch, 80, on May 2, 2018, after her prolonged battle with cancer. Bill was a decorated Korean War Army veteran with two Bronze Stars and United Nations and National Defense Service Medals. Upon his discharge, he worked hard for many years as a machine toolmaker. In his retirement, he focused his lifelong ability to fix anything into the pursuit of making beautiful woodworking projects that all the family enjoyed. Joan was foremost a wife, mother and homemaker who later did secretarial work in the medical profession. Her chief enjoyment was creating and doing loving and thoughtful things for her family through cooking, crafting and gatherings she held. She found great pleasure in reading, gardening, the holidays, and traveling. Together they were a wonderful couple who will be lovingly remembered and missed by surviving children, Debbie and Mark, Paul and Carmella; grandchildren, Jessica, Annie and Matt, Emily and Amanda; and sisters and family, Vi and Jean, Kathy, Mary and Bob, and Carol and John; along with many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors. They will be reunited and rest in blessed peace with one another, beloved sons Carl and Douglas, and family who preceded them in death. A private celebration of their lives and a family ceremony will be held early this summer. Please share your cherished memories of Bill and Joan at www.cremationmichigan.com