Beloved patriarch of his family, Thomas “Tom” William Ribble passed from this life on September 16, 2025 at the age of 88. Tom, affectionately known as Papa, was a radiant testament to faith, family, and joy, a legacy that will echo through generations.
Born on August 2, 1937, Tom was raised in Chicago, Illinois with frequent time spent at his grandparents’ farm in Burlington, Iowa. In 1957, Tom married his 8th grade sweetheart, Diane Pedersen. Since church youth group, Tom and Diane dedicated their lives to Christ, living out their faith daily. Tom enlisted in the Navy and saw active duty in the South Pacific. In the 60’s, Tom and Diane had two daughters, Cheryl and Cristie, and built a Christ-centered life together with Tom as a career pipeline engineer. They enjoyed living in several cities, with the majority of the time in the Houston area. They settled in the Lake Conroe area, became active leaders at First Baptist Church Conroe and enjoyed retirement lifestyle with friends and family. Diane passed away on December 6, 2023. Tom continued to serve his community both through his church and various civic organizations, as he did throughout his lifetime. Tom was an avid golfer for decades and continued playing until recently. Through church and golf, Tom met and fell in love with widow, Jimmie Lane, and they were married on January 19, 2025. Tom embraced his time with Jimmie and her family and was blessed.
Tom was preceded in death by: his parents, Bertha (Rheinschmidt) and Tom Hughes and Herman Ribble; and his wife of 66-years, Diane Pedersen Ribble. He is survived by wife, Jimmie Lane Ribble, daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces/nephews and their families plus extended family. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate the extraordinary life he lived.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, September 30,2025, at First Baptist Church Conroe, with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and the service at 10:30 a.m.
