Lillian and Chester Ryba

Lillian A. Ryba, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025 at Laurel Oaks Assisted Living of South Haven.

Lillian was born April 4, 1923 in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of the late Martin and Antonette Gilich.

Remembered as a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she also worked beside her husband in their businesses.

Lillian was an active volunteer for many years at Sacred Heart Church in Bangor.

She was a member of the Mystical Rose Guild and served with the St. Vincent Christian Services, among her many volunteer activities.

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and loved music, especially polkas. She was instrumental in the design and building of the family home in the 1950s.

Lillian was also a prolific writer of everything from letters to friends and family as well as personal chronicles of her life – and was known for her exquisite handwriting skills.

Her husband, Chester Ryba, passed away on Feb. 28, 2020 at the Allegan County Medical Care Facility.

Chester was born Oct. 23, 1923 in Chicago, son of the late Michael and Anna Ryba.

Chester served honorably during World War II in the Third Army in both North Africa and Europe as a support mechanic for critical equipment.

His later multiple professions were the result of that experience and a hunger to read and learn.

A skilled mechanic, engineer and inventor he never stopped making innovative machines and devices.

Chester founded and owned Black River Wood Products, Lithographics Printing and New Standard Precision Metalworking.

He was a highly skilled photographer, sought after locally for specialized commercial photography.

Chester was a pilot and member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and later enjoyed building and flying radio-controlled aircraft as a member of local flying clubs.

Surviving are their children, Mary (Steven) Diebold, Robert (Paula) Ryba and Sally Ryba-Navarre; grandchildren Andrea (Steve) Houseman, John (Hilary) Diebold, Stephanie Diebold, Christopher Diebold, Kiley (Jeff) Arnold, Kayti (Chad) Tilson, Ericka Ryba, Emily Ryba and great-grandchildren, Maxx, Zeke, Gus, Silas, Brynn and Brody.

Also surviving are extended family and descendants of Chester and Lillian's siblings.

They were preceded in death by their parents. Also departed are two brothers and three sisters of Chester and Lillian's sister.

Following their wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date with interment in Arlington Hill Cemetery, Bangor.

Arrangements entrusted to the Bangor Chapel, D.L. Miller Funeral Home, www.dlmiller funeralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to St. Vincent Christian Services of Bangor, The Al-Van Humane Society of South Haven or Centrica Care Navigators of West Michigan.

The family wishes to recognize and thank the staff at Laurel Oaks of South Haven for the care and love they gave to Lillian and her family; Centrica Care for their professional Hospice care and support; and St. Basil's Church for the weekly visits with Lillian, especially on Ash Wednesday with the blessing of ashes and sacrament of Holy Communion.