Arlene M. Riba, of Chelsea, MI, age 89, passed away on January 9, 2023 in Brighton, MI. Arlene was born on September 5, 1933 in Lima Township, MI to Erwin and Ethel (Bruestle) Haist.
Arlene was a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. On April 19, 1952, she married Bruce Bycraft, and he preceded her in death in 1985. She then married Erwin Riba on April 5, 1986, and he preceded her in death in 2002, and stepson, Ferris Riba, preceded her in death in 2010.
Arlene loved her family. She enjoyed farming and all the activities that went along with it, including attending her children and grandchildren's sheep and cattle showing at the Chelsea Community Fair. She also enjoyed RV camping in Arizona with Erwin. She enjoyed helping and cooking for others; a specialty was her German pretzels.
She is survived by children: Duane (Karmel) Bycraft, Denise (Robert) Walter, Diane (James) Parisho, Lori (Gary) Wiltse, Anita (John) Walker, nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; stepchildren: Priscilla (Mike) Horton, Phyllis (Pete) Gibney, Esther (Gary) Schmidt, Annette (Ed) Garcia, Regi (Patricia) Riba, 18 step-grandchildren, 15 step-great-grandchildren, nine step-great-great grandchildren, and special companion, Ray Niles.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, January 13, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., as well as at the church on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at Zion Lutheran Church in Chelsea, with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
