Ralph Vernon Ribley Jr.

Ralph Vernon Ribley, Jr., age 70 of Lima, passed at 1:27 p.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Lima Memorial Hospital. He was born September 29, 1954 in Lima, Ohio to the late Ralph Veron Ribley, Sr. and Betty K. Maxwell Ribley. He married Peggy Lee Elam, who proceeded him in death.
He was a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away after a courageous five-year battle with cancer. He was known for his big heart, strong spirit, and love of life.
Ralph retired as a maintenance technician from American Trim and had previously worked as a maintenance technician at Airfoil Textron. A graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School, Ralph was raised in the Catholic faith and later became a devoted Christian. He was ordained as a minister and had the honor of officiating several family weddings - a role he cherished deeply.
He was a proud member and officer of the Fraternal Order of Orioles Nest #173 in Lima, where he built lasting friendships. Ralph also served his community as a firefighter and EMT with Perry Township and worked with Lima Allen County Paramedics.
A passionate lover of the outdoors, Ralph found joy in gardening - both vegetables and flowers - and was always happiest with his hands in the dirt or under the hood of a car. He was an avid enthusiast of motorcycles and cars, especially his beloved Harleys, which he loved to ride and work on. Painting, rebuilding, and customizing vehicles was not just a hobby for Ralph, it was a craft he mastered.
Ralph was a competitor and enjoyed shooting pool, having been a part of a league. In earlier years, he was a bowler, and more recently, enjoyed golfing - even playing just a few months ago with his buddies. A loyal fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns, he never missed a chance to cheer on his teams.
In his downtime, Ralph loved watching mechanic and car shows, reality judge programs, and especially "Judge Judy," whom he always admired for her no-nonsense attitude.
More than anything, Ralph loved people. He was a true gentleman - always polite, kind, and willing to help others, even when life got tough. He was the life of the party and carried a strength that was both physical and emotional. His greatest joy was his family, especially his grandchildren - his "grandbabies" - with whom he shared many special moments.
He is survived by 3 children – Michael Vernon (Staci) Ribley of Lima; Diana Marie (Tom Lyons) Bardo of Lima; Ralph Vernon (Jenny) Ribley, III of Lima; 10 grandchildren – Christina Reid, Brittany Marsden; Alexandra Ribley; Madison Long; Logan Long; Tyler Bardo; Jadyn Bardo; Samantha Ribley; Drew Ribley; Levi Ribley; 7 great grandchildren – Teddy Reid; Jayce Griffith; Oliviya Griffith; Owen Griffith; Bentley Bardo; Remington Bardo; Rhett Bardo; a brother – Neil (Barb) Ribley of Lima; a brother-in-law – Bill Reed of Lima; his four legged buddies – Bufford and Simba.
He was preceded in death by his sister – Raela Reed.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 19, 2025 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the family to help with Ralph's celebration of life.