Elisabeth Helene (geb. Abbing) Ricke, a beloved matriarch and pillar of her family, will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, humor and unwavering love. She passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family in her home of 63 years. Born on April 10, 1934, in Vreden, Germany, to the late Heinrich and Helene (geb. Thoben) Abbing, Elisabeth's journey through life was one marked by deep devotion, compassion, and an enduring commitment to those she held dear. Elisabeth was a cherished wife for 68 years to Clemens Ricke, whose love and partnership were the foundation of their family. She was a devoted mother to her children, Michael (Bjorg) Ricke, Rose Marie (Bill Boone) Ricke, Thomas (Lillian) Ricke, Theresa (Ben) Vogelsang, Elisabeth (Greg) Schweikert, and Christina (Jeremy) Buckley. As a loving Oma, she took immense pride in her legacy, which includes 27 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Elisabeth was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Eddye Adarve, her grandson, Josiah Adarve and her siblings: Maria Gertz, Katharina Robers, Josefine Scherzberg, Helene Hamachers, Charlotte Lansing, Wendeline Kosters and Anton Abbing. Elisabeth's journey brought her from Germany to the United States 70 years ago, when she arrived at the port in New York aboard the SS Italia on June 11, 1956, with a suitcase in hand. Proud to become a United States citizen, she made Cincinnati her home and became a valued part of the community. Her Catholic faith was central to her life. For 68 years, she worshiped and volunteered at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church alongside Clemens. She was also an active member of the Catholic Kolping Society of Cincinnati for 56 years, serving in many ways, most often you would find her working in the kitchen during countless Kolping events. Through her involvement, she formed lifelong friendships that will continue through the next generation. Elisabeth was a devoted wife, mother, and Oma whose greatest joy was her family. Friends and family knew her as a thoughtful and trusted listener who met life with a positive attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. People genuinely enjoyed being around her, and she had a remarkable way of helping you humbly work through the many challenges of life. Elisabeth came from a family of gifted tailors and seamstresses and lovingly carried that tradition forward, spending countless hours meticulously sewing clothes for her children. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, and her door was always open. She warmly welcomed everyone from German relatives to friends stopping over for a Kaffeeklatsch accompanied by a slice of her pound cake, nobody ever left her home hungry. Her quiet steady strength, deep empathy, contagious smile, and gift for making others feel welcome will be deeply cherished and forever missed.In celebration of her extraordinary life, visitation will be held at Frederick Funeral Home, 2553 Banning Rd., on Monday, October 19, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m., followed by Kolping Prayers. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 5560 Kirby Ave., on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Fr. David Hiller, O.F.M. Endowment Fund, Kolping Society or the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, reflecting Elisabeth's spirit of generosity and support for those in need.Elisabeth leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and selflessness. Her positive spirit will forever inspire all those who had the privilege of knowing her.