Muriel "Frankie" Ribelin passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, April 3. This is exactly how she wanted it. As Frankie often liked to say, "It's all good."
Frankie was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on August 3, 1934. She was a precious gift from the beginning and the only child to her parents, Frances Bernard Manning and Mary Muriel Manning.
Frankie's character developed in high school as a free-spirited, fun-loving, outgoing person. She was involved in theatre, dance and starred in several high school plays.
Frankie received a letter requesting her to travel to New York for an in-person interview. She was selected to represent Philadelphia on the NBC show, The American Girl of Today, and she spent a week in New York City airing the show and receiving celebrity treatment. This led to several other TV appearances on other shows.
Frankie worked in the medical field as an EEG technician and later for National Airlines.
She was a sophisticated host and loved to entertain. She was a world class cook, enthusiastic swimmer, golfer, fly fisherman, water-skier, scuba diver and passionate animal advocate.
During her life she owned and cared for over 10 different dogs. She especially loved and cherished her three standard poodles.
Frankie was deeply spiritual and a devoted Christian. She had many, many friends that were all very important to her. If you met Frankie, you would always remember her. As one of her closest friends once said, "she was one in a million."
Frankie volunteered in many areas of her church. She served as a Bereavement Ministry Team chair, Prayer Group leader, Worship Ministry Team volunteer, Acolyte leader and instructor, Fellowship Ministry Team volunteer and Christian Service Center volunteer. She was also a Red Cross volunteer.
Frankie's passing leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family: husband of 43 years, Dr. William Ribelin; son, Wayne (Tammy) Rayfield; grandchildren, Brittanie (Kyle) Rayfield-Sweaney, Stephanie (Noah) Peck, Michael Hartman; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Jade Peck; son Walter Rayfield; grandchildren, Mitchel Rayfield, Kassondra Rayfield; and stepson, Robert (Claudia) Ribelin.
Join us for a celebration of life on Tuesday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church, 309 E. 21st Ave., Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gulf Shores First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 256, Gulf Shores, AL 36547, or Kindred Hospice, 9805 Millwood Circle Suite D, Daphne, AL 36526.
