Loren Ray Ribley age 54, died Friday,  March 17, 2006 in St. Louis County, Missouri.  Loren was born May 28, 1951.

The world is a better place because of his smile. Much love, best friend and husband of Karen; devoted father of Jared, Tyler and Travis. Loren also is survived by a brother, Warren (Jeanne) Ribley; nieces, Kristin and Allie Ribley, of Springfield, IL.; sister-in-law, Karla (Anthony) Cappuccio, of Absecon, N.J.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lorene and Jack Ribley, of Olney, IL.

Throughout his battle with kidney cancer, Loren's iron will and strength of spirit endured and ultimately persevered over this horrendous illness.

Beginning in 1983 as a family therapist at the Family Resource Center, Loren rose to the position of assistant director. His excellent clinical, supervision and grant writing skills literally allowed this agency to touch the lives of thousands of Missouri's children who had endured child abuse or neglect. A special passion of Loren's was also preventative work. This passion he dedicated to programs which addressed foster care, after school services, and family support and treatment. Our St. Louis community was proud to present to him in 2005 the COCAN Award for Child Advocate of the Year.

Loren was an avid horticulturist, outdoorsman and fisherman. He is missed by his dogs, Lyzanne and Skye, the frisbee dog. A memorial service will be on March 25 at First Congregational Church.

Published in St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO) - Friday, March 24, 2006