Denise Gail Ribas

Denise Gail (Poe) Ribas, 69, of Elkland, Missouri, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by loved ones.

Denise was born June 23, 1956, in Clinton, Missouri, to Helmer Harrison Poe and Florence Alifair Poe. She grew up in the Blairstown area and later moved to the Springfield area.

Denise dedicated much of her working life to Missouri State University where she served as a custodial supervisor. After 23 years of faithful service, she retired with staff honors. Known for her strong work ethic, Denise was a devoted and hard-working woman throughout her life.

Above all else. Denise loved her family. They were the most important part of her life, and she took great joy in caring for those she loved. She felt rich in love and wealthy in spirit, finding happiness in life's simple blessings. Denise enjoyed the outdoors and had a quick wit that brought laughter to those around her. Her joyful spirit made her a pleasure to be with, and she left a lasting impression on everyone that she met.

She was preceded in death by her son, David Carlyle, her parents, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and other loved ones who were waiting to welcome her home.

Denise is survived by her loving husband and best friend, David Ribas, of 17 years; her dear sons, Daniel Carlyle of Springfirled, MO, Aaron Carlyle of Holden, MO; a step-daughter, Samantha Vossler of Vancleave, MS; her beloved grandchildren, Hanna Caryle of Warrensburg, MO, Keith Carlyle of Kansas City, MO, Sarah Carlyle of Springfield, MO. DJ Carlyle of St. Louis, MO, Kenny Reeves of Springfield, MO and Hailey Reeves of Springfield, MO; her precious great-grandchildren whom she was raising, Jayde Carlyle and Iris Carlyle both of Elkland, MO, and Lucas Satterfield; her three loving siblings, James Poe of Syracuse, MO, Dennis Poe (her twin) of Barlow, KY and Patricia O'Riley of Golden City, MO.

She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly. Denise will be remembered as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and a friend. She has found her eternal home with Jesus free from all suffering. She's now in his presence, experiencing perfect peace and unending joy.

"He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or mourning, crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg, Missouri, with a funeral service directly following the visitation. A graveside service will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Sunset Hill Cemetery in Warrensburg, Missouri