Name: Visitation for Bernadine Grace "Bernie" Ribblett
Start: 2021-02-09T23:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-02-10T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary

Bernadine "Bernie" Grace Ribblett

Phoenix - Bernadine Grace Ribblett, or "Bernie" as her friends knew her, passed away peacefully among family at Krystal Care home in Phoenix, AZ on Thursday morning, Jan. 28, 2021. She lived 97 beautiful years. Bernie was born on Sept. 21, 1923 in Johnstown, PA, to Jacob J. Mapes and Candace W Mapes. She graduated from Johnstown High School and enjoyed attending her High School Reunions for many years, the last one being her 60th! She was married to the love her life, Melvin G. Ribblett on Jan. 27, 1947 in Pennsylvania. They later moved to Arizona and made the desert their home for over 60 years. They would have celebrated their 74th wedding anniversary this year. Faith was a keystone of Bernie's life and she and her husband were active members of American Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years. Her granddaughter, Lanette called her a "Prayer Warrior", as she was always thinking of others and sending heartfelt prayers. They were also members of several square dancing groups throughout the years, where they built many long lasting friendships. Bernie was still meeting up with her "lunch bunch" regularly up until the COVID-19 quarantine restrictions went into place in spring 2020. She was known in the valley for her love of dolls and teddy bears - Winnie the Pooh being one of her favorites. She even did a "call" during square dance called "Teddy Bear", with a teddy bear in hand, of course. Bernie was a talented seamstress. She made doll clothes, hand-stitched teddy bears, created costumes for her square dance events, and Halloween costumes for her grandkids. She even made the prom dress for one of her granddaughters in 1997. Bernie was a "Red Hatter" - a member of the Red Hat Society, of which she created her own chapter group and was the "Queen Bee". Many of her friends say she was known for her genuine love, kindness and hugs. She is survived by her daughter Pam, son Tim; her grandchildren Lanette, Karie, Martin, Jacob, Ryan, Ashley; her great grandchildren Miles, Kellie, Amber, Zachary, Max and Quinn, and her great-great grandchildren Josie, Itzelly and Gio. She is preceded in death by her husband Melvin G. Ribblett (Oct. 9, 2010) and her son Gregory Allan Ribblett (July 27, 1987). Visitation is open to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 9th from 4-8 pm at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W Beardsley Rd Phx, AZ 85027. Masks are required. The Service will be presided by Officiant Pastor Charles Wilfong on Wednesday Feb. 10th at 10 am | Graveside at 11am. Attendance is limited. Please reach out to granddaughter, Lanette via [email protected] to make arrangements to attend. Thank you each and everyone for all your love and support. "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart. I'll stay there forever." from "Winnie the Pooh" by A.A. Milne

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernadine Ribblett

Sponsored by Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary.

12 Entries

Lanette Veres

February 25, 2021

Oh Grandma how my heart hurts and I miss you so very much. I do have peace knowing you entered the gates of heaven and God removed all the struggles of life. I know you no longer struggle to hear or see. Oh how you struggled. I am also confident PAP PAP was near the gates to greet you. You were reunited with the love of your life. GMA Thank you for allowing me to care for you. I will forever thank God for the special time he allowed me to have with you. So until I can kiss that sweet head of yours once again I will keep you close to my heart through all the memory making moments we shared. I love you so very much, Your #1 (the 1st grandchild ) Lanette

Karen Sasser-McClellan

February 21, 2021

Aunt Bernie, Our Heavenly Father has gained a Beautiful Angel.Your sister Phyllis (my Beloved Grandmother) Uncle Melvin, Uncle Walt, Uncle Denny and Aunt Clara must be super excited to see you. I can just imagine all of you doing a polka in Heaven together. I Love You. Your Great Niece, Karen Sasser-McClellan

Colleen Sasser

February 21, 2021

Aunt Bernie was my grandmothers sister. I remember her visiting Gram often after moving to AZ. I remember her and Melvin square-dancing and the humor and mischief that would ensure when Gram and Bernie would get together. They are with one another once again. Sending love and hugs to Lanette and family.

Pam Harris

February 16, 2021

For you mom, in loving memory. I miss your smile, your laugh, your hugs & your love. It was a tough past year with the COVID. It was hard for you to understand it, but you’re not alone. Many of us are still wrestling with the mess. What was joyful on the weekends visiting, suddenly stopped & we visited thru the window. We were all sad at that point. I do thank God he protected you from the virus.Give dad a hug & kiss for me.I ❤ You both very much. Love, Pam

Barbara Cheshire

February 9, 2021

I always say what goes around, comes around. Because Bernie was such a positive, always sweet person, she was able to pass that on to Lanette, a wonderful granddaughter, I do not have one, if I did, I'd love one as dear as Lanette. We'll all miss our Teddybear

Dolly&kenny Brown

February 8, 2021

Bernie was a very special person to everyone she met. She always had a smile for everyone. My Husband & I enjoyed square dancing with her and Mel, usually at “Isaac Squares”. My Mama & Daddy (Chet & Virginia Northrop, my Sister Cheslene “Dusty” and myself all called square dances. After each call no matter which of us had called Bernie always had a compliment for us. My Sister “Dusty” & I used to call “Devil Woman” square dance and Bernie would always say how much she enjoyed it. She asked us a few years back , we had quit calling, if we minded her doing the call we told her go ahead, and she said “ do you mind if I change the word” Devil” to something nice we said to go ahead and she did. I don’t recall the word she changed it to though. She will be missed by many, Rest In Peace Bernie love ❤ Dolly&Kenny Brown

Brigitta

February 8, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rest In Peace Bernie.
I will always remember the flair you had for dressing up. A life well lived.
Gods blessings!

Miles Mclamb

February 7, 2021

Miss you grandma

Karie Sue Snow

February 7, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I'm so happy I got to visit you in September 2020. I'm always going to remember you called me Karen!
Love you Grammy.
Karie

Lolita Griffin

February 7, 2021

Rest in Heaven, Grandma Ribblett! It has been a pleasure knowing you throughout my friendship with Lanette and other family members! Please keep a watchful eye on my BFF. I'm so glad you're not able to dance in Heaven with your honey and the Angels

Amber Correll

February 7, 2021

She was the best at always being positive. She always wore straw hats and every time I saw her I wanted to wear it and she would let me she was always dressed up and she would always hug and kiss me whenever I saw her. I will always miss her dearly but I know she’s in a better place with my great grandpa pap pap. I love you gma riblett. I know you’re looking down on all of us. Til next I meet you. Love you, your great granddaughter Amber

Carole Beath

February 7, 2021

R. I. P. ..I am your granddaughter's friend and she loved you so so so much, she watched over you.... Now you are resting with the angels, and you can watch over her ..

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