Russell John Ribb, Jr. August 28, 1927 – April 16, 2022

Last updated 8/23/2022 at Noon

On Saturday April 16, Russell John Ribb, Jr. went home into the loving arms of his Savior. Russ was 94, born August 28, 1927, in Sherwood, North Dakota. Being an only child, he enjoyed their move to Donnybrook, North Dakota, being close to grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In 1937, they headed out west to Long Beach, California, and then settled in La Puente. This is where Russ started attending church as a young boy and accepted the Lord as his Savior at age 10. Attending La Puente High School, Russ’ words: “My high school years were a blast!” He played football, basketball, the clarinet, but his greatest athletic achievement came in track-and-field, running the mile, getting to CIF finals at the Coliseum. The race was the first time to wear track shoes; prior to this race he always ran barefoot.

In 1945, after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in engineering/meteorology training. After the war ended, he was discharged, earning the Asiatic Pacific Area, Victory Medal World War II. He then attended Pasadena City College before attending the brand-new Mt. Sac Community College in 1946. This is where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Shock. Then on to Whittier College, when, on the night of his graduation, they married, June 10, 1950.

Russ and Marilyn settled in La Puente, California, where Russ started teaching, then principal, then on to Hudson School District office. During this time they had three children: Kenneth Ribb, Russell Dan Ribb, Janet Ribb Lamoreaux. The family moved to Hacienda Heights, California, and Russ retired as superintendent of Hacienda La Puente Unified School District, summer 1985.

Russ enjoyed all sports — playing, coaching, and watching, church activities, golf with Marilyn, square dancing, card games, camping, fishing, the beach, traveling, and was a dancer like no other!

In 1992, following their kids, they moved to Sisters. They loved attending every event they could of their grandkids and were actively involved at Sisters Community Church. Later years they settled in Bend.

Russell is survived by his wife of 72 years; their children Ken Ribb, Janet and Scott Lamoreaux, Dan and Robin Ribb; grandchildren David Ribb, Loni Ribb Dahlberg, Josh Ribb, Matthew Ribb, Robert Leib, Dena Leib Dunn, Kristen Lamoreaux Hansen; two step-grandchildren, Brandi Lee Gilmore and Ryan Lee; 27 great-grandkids, and his first great-great-grandson whom he met just prior to his death.

Russell is greatly missed and was loved by so many, but his love for Jesus and the memories our hearts hold carry us on.

Russell’s life will be celebrated with a family gathering in September and military honors.