Obituary:

Eli Ray Ribich was born on January 24, 1941, in Hamtramck, Michigan, into the loving home of his parents Rade and Dorothy Ribich and his brother John, 11-years older. He carried their legacy with grace, integrity and humility.

Lee pursued his education with a desire to make a difference, graduating from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, with a teaching degree that would lay the foundation for decades of inspiring young minds. Lee's career path took him into teaching and coaching, where he was known for his patience, kindness, and unwavering support for his students. Lee's impact as a teacher and coach was profound; he was a steadfast mentor who offered a listening ear and wise counsel to al..

On July 10, 1965, Lee married his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Gail Dawn Burkhart, on a beautiful summer day. With their degrees in hand, they headed off to teach in Bethel, Alaska. After a chance meeting with Petersburg doctor Phil Beardslee, they were offered and accepted teaching jobs in Petersburg where they built a life rooted in love and mutual respect, embodying a partnership that was admired by all who knew them. Lee and Gail were blessed with two daughters, Tanya and Gretchen, who became the center of their world and brought them immense joy.

When not in the classroom or on the court, Lee found solace and joy in the simple pleasures of fishing and gardening – passions he often shared with family and friends. The tranquility of nature and the shared time with his beloved wife mirrored his calm and nurturing spirit, something he expressed beautifully in his poems. He published several books of poetry and was named Petersburg's 2005 Poet Laureate.

A cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, teacher and coach, Lee's life was full of love, dedication, respect and quiet strength. He passed away peacefully on June 24, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rade and Dorothy Ribich; brother John; and daughter, Tanya Malcolm.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gail; his daughter, Gretchen (Scott) Pullar; grandchildren, Christopher Malcom, Carynne (Dave) Evens, Taylor (Cynthia Benitz) Pullar; great-grandchildren Rader and Kaia Evens, and Parker Pullar – each of whom held a special place in Lee's heart. He was anxiously waiting for his second great-grandson who is due in September.

The community is invited to celebrate Lee's life on August 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Petersburg High School Gym with a potluck immediately following in the Elk's Lodge Ballroom. Please come wearing PHS Viking colors or your favorite Viking swag. This is the perfect time for lettermen's jackets, sweatshirts, and jerseys from years past to present. Please bring your favorite dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Petersburg Viking basketball program.