Ralph Leroy Leiby

Ralph L. Leiby, 81, formerly of Mottville, MI, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Woodland Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation.

Ralph was born on September 28, 1942 in Middlebury, IN to the late Arthur and May (McCay) Leiby. He married the love of his life, Joann (Swartzell) Leiby on February 12, 1966 in Bristol, IN.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and May Leiby; siblings, Delbert Leiby, Floyd Leiby, Leona Patterson, Dorothy Haseman and Marlene Stewart.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joann Leiby; children, Scott Leiby, Chad (Jennifer) Leiby, Christopher (Elizabeth) Leiby and Sharla (Luc) Geiser; 9 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; siblings, Rubi Schrock, Dolly Stewart, Mary (Jim) Garver, Esther Smedzick, Betty Willings and Harold Leiby.

Ralph graduated from Constantine High School in 1961. He lived most of his life in Mottville, MI before moving into the Elkhart area.

Ralph worked in maintenance at local manufactured home companies including Windsor Mobile Homes in Bristol, Imperial Homes, Parkwood Homes and retiring from United Express Cargo Trailers in 2012.

He attended Zion Missionary Church in Elkhart and New Creation Fellowship Church in Granger.

In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed working on cars and all kinds of heavy equipment. In his younger years, Ralph loved riding his motorcycle and going to hill climbs. Ralph was also an avid hunter. He loved going to auctions and after retirement, auctions were his favorite way to spend his time.

Most of all, Ralph will be remembered as a family man with a big heart who didn't know a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Ralph’s family would like to thank the services of Senior Helpers Home Care and the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care for their support during a difficult time.

There will be a Celebration of Ralph’s Life at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 10, 2024 at New Creation Fellowship Church, 30190 C.R. 10, Granger, IN 46530. Rev. Arnie Klahr is officiating.

Visiting for family and friends will be from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, 1 hour prior to the start of service at the church.

Burial will be at Mottville Cemetery at a later date.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the family.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 501 Comfort Pl., Mishawaka, IN 46545.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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