Ellen Riblet

Ellen Riblet, a cherished pillar of the Bellefontaine community, passed away of natural causes on June 12, 2024, at the age of 80. Born on August 18, 1943, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Alice Dearwester Sr., Ellen's life was marked by her courageous spirit, interesting life stories, and thoughtful heart.

Ellen was a beacon of light to her family, a loving sister to her twin, Helen Dearwester of Bellefontaine, and a guiding force to her daughters, Kimberly Bolling of Jackson Center and Monica (Keith) Irick of Bellefontaine. She was a proud grandmother to Chase Burks, Keith aka Meatball (Kelly) Irick, Alexis Irick, Bethany Bolling, Doug Bolling, and Brandon Bolling, cherishing the moments and memories made with each of them. Ellen's life was further enriched by the joy of her ten great-grandchildren, who will carry her legacy forward. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Alice Dearwester Sr., her siblings Arthur Dearwester Jr., Wilson Dearwester, Ida Bozman, and her precious granddaughter Brittany Burks.

Ellen's professional journey was as diverse as it was fulfilling. She worked at Westinghouse in Bellefontaine until 1985 and retired from Northern Floral in West Liberty in 1993. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly when she owned and operated Baker's Helper in Bellefontaine, where she shared her love for decorating cakes. Ellen's cakes weren't just desserts: they were edible works of art, each telling a story of celebration and joy.

Even after her retirement, Ellen continued to dedicate her time and talents to the Bellefontaine City Schools from 1999 to 2020. As a volunteer teacher assistant and helper, she was affectionately known as Ms. Ellie. Her passion for reading brought countless stories to life for the students she adored, and her presence in the classroom was a gift to both the children and educators alike.

Ellen's interests and passions extended beyond her professional endeavors. Her love for decorating cakes began in her own kitchen and blossomed into a successful business that brought sweetness to many lives. Ellen's hands, always busy creating beauty, were also hands that held her family together, and her heart was a haven of love and warmth.

Described as courageous, Ellen faced life's challenges with unwavering strength and resilience. She was interesting in every sense of the word, with a life story that fascinated and inspired those who knew her. Above all, she was thoughtful, always considering the needs and feelings of others before her own.

Ellen Riblet's life was a tapestry of love, hard work, and community service. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, a family who adored her, and a community that was made better by her presence. As we say goodbye to Ellen, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a woman well-loved.

A Celebration of Life gathering for Ellen will be held at a later date.