Richard “Rich” Ribbens, age 84, of Hudsonville, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Rich was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa who cherished his family. He was a US Navy veteran, proudly serving his country.  Over the years, Rich served his Lord and his church with his time and talents in many ways. After graduating from Western Michigan University, he began a lifelong career in the food industry. He started working at Kroger Foods, then served as the Director of Warehousing at Spartan Stores, President of Viking Foods, Eberhard Foods, and retired from Fischer Foods in 1985. Rich enjoyed playing golf with his buddies, and took pride in his classic car and Corvette collection. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Margy (Johnson) Ribbens; his children, Mary and Steve VanderWilp, Rick and Jody Ribbens, Sara and Mark Kuperus; his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Alyssia and Ryan Kalman (Anna), Dustin and Shannon VanderWilp (Collin, Grayson, and Ellyson), Logan Ribbens, Jessica Ribbens, Lee and Holly Kuperus (Kassidy, Case), Kellie and Mark Scholma (Parker, Frankie, Dominick), Cameron and Tara Kuperus (Sydney, Miles, Hendrik); sisters-in-law, Joan Zylstra, Trudy Ribbens; many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service to celebrate Rich’s life will be held on Friday, June 28, 1 pm at Zion Reformed Church, 4457 36th St. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Greg Brower officiating. Interment Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW.  Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Unity Christian High School or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Leave Your Tribute Message

June 26, 2019 2:48am
Mary and Steve, our love and prayers are with you and your whole family. Please give your mom our love and hugs. Pam

- Pam and Terry Roach




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Floral arrangements provided by Love Knots Floral.