Nieves Dole, 98, of Ashtabula, OH, passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, of natural causes at Saybrook Landing Home.
Nieves was born on July 6, 1926, on Staten Island, NY, to Elvira and Joseph Ribes, shortly after they emigrated from the Catalan region of Spain. She graduated from Wagner College on Staten Island in 1948.
A devoted housewife, mother, and grandmother, Nieves immersed herself in supporting her children's activities, including piano, figure skating, track and field, and the Boy Scouts. A skilled seamstress, she generously taught anyone interested in learning the craft. She was a classical music enthusiast, a figure skating judge, and a dedicated Reiki practitioner. Nieves cherished her beloved forest cottage in Willoughby, OH, where she lived for over 30 years, surrounded by the trees, plants, and animals that brought her great joy. Family and friends spent many hours enjoying her warm and welcoming hospitality there.
Later in life, Nieves earned a degree in Communications from Cleveland State University. She then worked at the Euclid Clinic as an HMO representative until her retirement.
She was married to, and later amicably divorced from, the late Dr. Robert W. Dole, M.D., with whom she raised four sons: Keith (73), Jeffrey (71), Alan (69), and Christopher (65)—all Eagle Scouts—who survive her. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Amanda Dole, Mathew Dole, Ethan Dole (also an Eagle Scout), and Ariana Dole; as well as Jeffrey's wife, Linda Dole; Christopher's ex-wife, Kandi Dole; and her niece, Barbara Antley.
She was preceded in death by her brother, James Ribes; her sister, Ramona Patterson; and her daughter-in-law, Rhonda Dole (Alan's wife); and her nephew, Randy Chandler.
Nieves was a member of East Shore United Methodist Church in Euclid, OH, where she participated in the vocal and bell choirs. Her ashes will be interred there.
Family, friends, and well-wishers are invited to attend a Celebration of Life in Nieves's honor at East Shore United Methodist Church, 23002 Lakeshore Blvd, Euclid, OH 44123, on Saturday, August 16. The family welcomes social visitors from 10 to 11 a.m., with the Celebration of Life service beginning at 11 a.m. There will be time during the service for those who wish to share memories. Afterward, all are invited to remain at the church for refreshments and fellowship.
For those interested—or for those unable to attend the Celebration of Life—the family will also gather informally at Collision Bend Brewing Company, 1261 Babbitt Rd, Euclid, OH, following the church proceedings, at or around 1 p.m.
Lake Erie Cremation & Funeral Services, 1500 Harpersfield Road, Geneva, Ohio, 440-361-2273, assisted the family with arrangements.
www.LakeErieCrematory.com