Lt Col Richard Thorne Ribbentrop USAF Ret.
Nov. 21, 1940 – July 11, 2021
On Friday, July 30th, the family of Lt Col Richard T. Ribbentrop, Ret. USAF will host a memorial service with full military honors. Friends and family are invited to gather at 9:45 am for the service, to begin promptly at 10 am. Please join the family at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia.
Rick was born in Evansville, IL, and graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. He entered the Air Force in 1964, where he proudly served for 22 years. Rick, Linda, and Tonya enjoyed living in a variety of locations, at home and abroad. In 1965, Rick and Linda were introduced on a blind date orchestrated by Rick’s sister, Billie. They married that same year, and they would have celebrated their 56th annivers
Rick was a passionate and highly talented woodworker and was a founder of a woodworker’s guild in Denver CO, with his sawdust buddies. He also greatly enjoyed the weekly outings with his trap shooting friends to Ft. Lee. Rick is remembered by so many for his encouraging words and mentorship. Rick is survived by his wife Linda Ribbentrop, his daughter Tonya Applegate and son-in-law Stuart Applegate, his sister Billie Kellogg, and nephew Scott Kellogg.
Those who wish to remember Rick in a special way may make a donation to Hospice of Virginia, 2235 Staples Mill Road, Richmond VA, 33230.
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of the Colonel. I work with Tonya and she has always talked so highly of him. Sending all of you my thoughts and prayers as you work through this difficult time.
Tonya and Family,
I am so very sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. I know that you loved him dearly and that you will miss him greatly. Sending you prayers and wishing you all peace at this most difficult time….
With my deepest sympathy,
Christina Madrigal and Family
To Linda, Tonya and family: Our deepest sympathies are extended to you at this most difficult time. Our prayers go out to you. May he rest in peace. Jim & Nelly, your next door neighbors from Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Tonya, so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. Love and prayers to you, Stuart and your Mom.
Love,
Diane Hamilton
Tonya my family is saddened to hear this news of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Stuart, your mother & family.
Anne Elam
Amy & Darryl Dugger
My thoughts and prayers are with the Ribbentrop family. I was very saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. I was blessed to know him as a doctor and really enjoyed the brief time that we had together. I hope that I was able to be of service to him. We had great conversations about history and his passion of woodworking.! He made me the best set of wine stoppers, and my wife and I will have a bottle of wine in his honor on the day of his memorial service! I am sorry that I am unable to attend.
I lost my only sibling and relative which makes me very alone. We had a great childhood and lots of fun growing up I am 3 years older than Rick so after I went away to college we didn’t do much after that snd saw little of him after he married snd our parents passings. But I loved him and now he’s gone forever. I know Linda will be okay as she’s strong. She had a loving married life with Rick and they were so close. My son Scott snd I will be there for her forever. I introduced them and I’m so proud that I did a great Match. God bless everyone. Billie
Served under USAF Captain Richard Ribbentrop at K.I. Sawyer, Airforce Base from 1967 to 1970.