Dawn Ribis

In Loving Memory of

Dawn Mae Ribis

October 6, 1937 – June 5, 2025

A woman of unwavering strength, quick wit, boundless grit, and legendary cooking, Dawn Mae Ribis lived a life seasoned with love, rich in laughter, and grounded in family. Wherever she was, there was warmth-of a hearty meal, a big smile, or a quick comeback delivered with perfect timing and colorful language.

Born to Marie and Walter Roach, Sr. Dawn's roots were deeply planted in community and connection. She grew up among the clatter and comfort of the Knotty Pine restaurant, where hospitality wasn't a job-it was a way of life. She carried that legacy forward with her husband Joseph as the heart and soul behind Papa Joe's, a place where strangers became regulars and regulars became family.

Dawn was unapologetically unique. She loved movies that echoed her no-nonsense spirit, big band music while cleaning the house in the nude, letting her grandchildren skinny-dip at midnight, teaching 8 year-olds to drive the Lincoln Towncar and her meticulously organized cupboards that somehow made chaos feel calm. She loved nothing more than playing in the dirt and her gardens bloomed each year like clockwork-quiet, steady reminders of her nurturing spirit.

She was happiest surrounded by the people she loved-playing cards with her grandchildren long past bedtime, cooking something delicious while telling stories, or enjoying camp in Wolf Pond, where her most cherished memories were made.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Ribis Jr. of Tennessee and her daughter Stephanie (Mike) Ormsby of Peru. Her love continues through her grandchildren: Danielle (Chris) Phillips of North Carolina, Joseph (Rachel) Ribis of VT, Jordan (Rachel) Ribis of Peru, Michael (Ali) Ormsby, Jr. of Peru, Matthew Ormsby and Stephanie Facteau of Beekmantown, Ryan Ormsby and Jennifer Boyer of Plattsburgh, and Johnny (Sarah) Ribis of Massachusetts. She is also survived by Kristen Larkin, whom she loved and helped raise as one of her own.

She leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Jake, Morgan, and Riley Phillips; Jackson and Molly-Kate Ribis; Everett Ormsby, her little redhead Carina Ormsby and Sophie Ribis, each a bright reflection of her joy and spirit.

Dawn is also lovingly remembered by her brother Walter (Carol) Roach, Jr. of Chateaugay, as well as their children, David Roach (Cindy DeCosse) and Doreen Roach.

She is reunited in peace with her husband Joseph and her cherished daughter Deborah, whom she knew would be there to welcome her with open arms, along with a daughter-in-law Lisa Ribis from Tennessee.

Her family would like to sincerely thank all off the doctors and nurses who attended to her at UVM, as well as the incredible staff at Hospice of the North Country who lovingly cared for not only her, but also her family, for the 5 weeks between her glioblastoma diagnosis and her passing.

Dawn's legacy is not only in the meals she served, the laughs she sparked, or the flowers she grew-but in the love she gave so freely to everyone blessed to know her.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 14 at R.W. Walker Funeral Home from 12-2pm, with words of rememberance at 2pm. Donations can be made to Hospice of the North Country.

With deep love and eternal remembrance,

The Family of Dawn Ribis

To share a memory or condolence with the family, please visit www.rwwalkerfh.com.Arrangements have been entrusted to the R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY

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