Timothy J. Ribble, also known as Tim, T.J., Rib, and Ribman passed away on April 5, 2023 after an eighteen-year battle with prostate cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol Ann (nee Cook) who passed away at age 44, his parents Frank A. and Vivian A., his brother Spencer, various great neighbors,Continue Reading
Timothy J. Ribble, also known as Tim, T.J., Rib, and Ribman passed away on April 5, 2023 after an
eighteen-year battle with prostate cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol Ann (nee Cook) who passed away at age 44, his parents Frank A. and Vivian A., his brother Spencer, various great neighbors, aunts and uncles, and fellow Inland Steel members. He is survived by his long-time partner Jackie, brother Maurice, daughter Rebecca Howey and son-in-law David; son Eric and daughter-in-law Nicole; and four wonderful, smart grandchildren: Benjamin Howey, Nicholas Ribble, Caroline Howey, and Ashley Ribble. He also had a special affection for Jackie’s daughter, Jeneane and her five children: Christopher, Kevin, Matthew, Marissa, and Emily.
Tim was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. His youth was spent playing baseball, playing basketball,
and fishing with his father and brothers for trout in north-central Michigan. He attended St. Andrew Catholic School through 12th grade, where he graduated in the top 10% of his class, achieved perfect high school attendance, and was a National Honor Society member. He played golf every Sunday after 5:45am mass, delivered the morning newspaper for the Detroit Free Press, and served as an altar boy for 9 years. Tim then attended Delta College, receiving an A.S. while being a co-op student with Dow Corning Semiconductor Research Plant. He then attended Central Michigan University, where he met his future wife, Carol Ann and received a B.S. in Chemistry in 1967. TJ then attended Arizona State University, marrying his wife after the first year. They spent time attending ASU football games with his famous radio containing a hidden flask of ginger brandy, and they tubed down the Salt River many times. He graduated from ASU in 1971 with a Ph.D. in Chemistry. Tim and Carol then took a two-week vacation touring the West before moving to Northwest Indiana so Tim could begin his career at Inland Steel.
Tim’s career began at Inland Steel as a chemist, problem solving throughout the steel mill. He worked
with many talented and dedicated individuals within the salaried and bargaining unit. He was promoted to Assistant Superintendent 7 years later and worked in Chemical and Metallurgical Quality Control. He loved “Lunch on the Lawn” at the Quality Center. He developed a quality group from the coal and iron ore mines through the blast furnaces. Tim finished his career as Inland Steel’s Manager of the #3 Cold Strip Mill, retiring at age 56. He had the best administrative assistants ever!
While Tim worked at Inland Steel, he and Carol Ann had a boy (Eric) and a girl (Rebecca). He coached soccer for a Munster youth soccer team for 8 years, winning a few championships with a group of smart, talented players. He also worked to complete his new house over many years, but he never accomplished everything. He also lost his wife during this time. Both of his children attended college, earned advanced degrees, got married, and gave him four grandchildren.
Tim also had many personal interests while working at Inland Steel. He participated in adult bowling and golf leagues. He loved all animals and watched every documentary tv series while feeding the cats, squirrels and birds. He was an accomplished handyman, helping many family members and neighbors. He also loved his 500 square foot garden for more than 40 years. Tim was a member of St. Thomas More parish for more than 40 years and helped with church decorations for a few years. He was a long-time member of the American Chemical Society and was a representative for the American Iron and Steel Industry.
After retirement, Tim taught himself how to upholster furniture and did a lot of work for the Human
Society of the Calumet Area thrift shop. He also enjoyed refinishing wood furniture. He became Ribman after perfecting the rub for his apple smoked baby back ribs. There was never any left after an outing. Everyone had smiles and thumbs up after eating them.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Kish Funeral Home at 10000 Calumet Avenue in Munster from 3-7pm on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. Viewing will also be available for 30 minutes prior to his 10am funeral mass at St. Thomas More Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 in Munster. Cremation will follow with private internment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Calumet Area, The Salvation Army, or St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Tim would like to thank Dr. Wilkins, Dr. Yalowicz, Dr. Kassar, and all their staff members for the wonderful care, compassion, and support they provided during his long illness. Tim also would like to thank his family, neighbors, and friends for all their help during his cancer battle. Tim especially thanks Hospice of the Calumet Area and Nurse John (J.D.), whose knowledge and compassion guided him through his final months.
To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Timothy J. Ribble PhD, please visit our Tribute Store.
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5 trees were planted in memory of Timothy Ribble 
Pat Farster, Roger, Sue Roos, Bob and Julie & Mike Mungovan
left a message on April 12, 2023:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest sympathy to you Jackie, family and friends.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
Ron Warneke
left a message on April 11, 2023:
My condolences to the Ribble family. Thanks for sharing an intimate and heartfelt tribute. We should all be lucky enough to leave this planetary zip code with so many people loving us.
Alisa Fifield
left a message on April 11, 2023:
So sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to the whole family.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
The Rosberg family
left a message on April 10, 2023:
Deepest condolences Eric to you and your family. May your dads spirit continue on and hope he can watch over this tree in his name and spirit.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
William & Felicia Nunn
left a message on April 10, 2023:
Please accept our deepest condolences for the passing of Mr Ribble.
His life is a blessing, whose character lives on in thehearts of so many.
I am grateful to know him through the character of his son (Eric).
May God bless him, his family, and friends
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sue Miles
left a message on April 10, 2023:
With deepest sympathy from one of the many people he coached and encouraged throughout his career.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
The Cueller Family
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Lavender Reflections Spray was purchased for the family of Timothy Ribble by The Cueller Family. Send Flowers
Julie Nickovich
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Sincere condolences to the Ribble family. Enjoyed working with Tim at "Mother Inland"! Memory Eternal!
Julie Nickovich
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Sincere condolences to the Ribble family. Enjoyed working with Tim at "Mother Inland"! Memory Eternal!
Julie Nickovich
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Sincere condolences to the Ribble family. Enjoyed working with Tim at "Mother Inland"! Memory Eternal!
Anonymous
left a message on April 8, 2023:
With heartfelt condolences,
Amazing Arboricola was purchased for the family of Timothy Ribble by Anonymous. Send Flowers
The Matuskas
left a message on April 7, 2023:
All our love to you and your families. So sorry for your loss.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Timothy Ribble by The Matuskas. Send Flowers
Todd Matuska
left a message on April 7, 2023:
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Ribble's passing. Yes I am an adult but I have been friends of the family since birth and that is what I have always called him out of respect. Our families were very close growing up living just down the street. Our mothers were dear friends and Eric and I were very close friends as well. I will always remember Mr. Ribble as a very stern but loving man. He was always helping others and teaching by example. He loved his corvette and I remember being very nervous to go near it. ? Eric and I would spend a lot of time playing basketball at his house and Mr. Ribble would always be there with a snide comment or parenting lesson. Mr. Ribble once reupholstered a wing back chair for me that turned out beautifully and it was my favorite chair for a long time. My love and prayers go out to Eric. Rebecca, and their families. I take solice in knowing "Tim" is no longer in pain and will be celebrating the most glorious Easter this year with his wife "Carol" (Mrs. Ribble) and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Heaven. God Bless you Ribbles.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Pat Farster, Roger, Sue Roos, Bob and Julie & Mike Mungovan
left a message on April 12, 2023:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest sympathy to you Jackie, family and friends.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
Ron Warneke
left a message on April 11, 2023:
My condolences to the Ribble family. Thanks for sharing an intimate and heartfelt tribute. We should all be lucky enough to leave this planetary zip code with so many people loving us.
Alisa Fifield
left a message on April 11, 2023:
So sorry for your loss. Sending condolences to the whole family.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
The Rosberg family
left a message on April 10, 2023:
Deepest condolences Eric to you and your family. May your dads spirit continue on and hope he can watch over this tree in his name and spirit.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
William & Felicia Nunn
left a message on April 10, 2023:
Please accept our deepest condolences for the passing of Mr Ribble.
His life is a blessing, whose character lives on in thehearts of so many.
I am grateful to know him through the character of his son (Eric).
May God bless him, his family, and friends
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sue Miles
left a message on April 10, 2023:
With deepest sympathy from one of the many people he coached and encouraged throughout his career.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Timothy Ribble . Plant a Tree
The Cueller Family
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Lavender Reflections Spray was purchased for the family of Timothy Ribble by The Cueller Family. Send Flowers
Julie Nickovich
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Sincere condolences to the Ribble family. Enjoyed working with Tim at "Mother Inland"! Memory Eternal!
Julie Nickovich
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Sincere condolences to the Ribble family. Enjoyed working with Tim at "Mother Inland"! Memory Eternal!
Julie Nickovich
left a message on April 8, 2023:
Sincere condolences to the Ribble family. Enjoyed working with Tim at "Mother Inland"! Memory Eternal!
Anonymous
left a message on April 8, 2023:
With heartfelt condolences,
Amazing Arboricola was purchased for the family of Timothy Ribble by Anonymous. Send Flowers
The Matuskas
left a message on April 7, 2023:
All our love to you and your families. So sorry for your loss.
Full Of Love Bouquet was purchased for the family of Timothy Ribble by The Matuskas. Send Flowers
Todd Matuska
left a message on April 7, 2023:
I was very sad to hear of Mr. Ribble's passing. Yes I am an adult but I have been friends of the family since birth and that is what I have always called him out of respect. Our families were very close growing up living just down the street. Our mothers were dear friends and Eric and I were very close friends as well. I will always remember Mr. Ribble as a very stern but loving man. He was always helping others and teaching by example. He loved his corvette and I remember being very nervous to go near it. ? Eric and I would spend a lot of time playing basketball at his house and Mr. Ribble would always be there with a snide comment or parenting lesson. Mr. Ribble once reupholstered a wing back chair for me that turned out beautifully and it was my favorite chair for a long time. My love and prayers go out to Eric. Rebecca, and their families. I take solice in knowing "Tim" is no longer in pain and will be celebrating the most glorious Easter this year with his wife "Carol" (Mrs. Ribble) and our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Heaven. God Bless you Ribbles.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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