From the Independent Catholic Foundation
A legacy that began close to fifty years ago will continue for many generations into the future thanks to the family and friends of the late Ralph Lieb who died earlier this year as the result of a tragic accident on the family’s Barr Ridge Farms in Nicktown.
On October 23, 2024, on what would have been Ralph’s 77th birthday, his wife Mary Beth, created the Lieb Family Endowment for Catholic Education.
This new endowment will award scholarships to financially needy students attending Saint Nicholas Catholic School in Nicktown and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Ebensburg.
“Ralph and I were blessed that both of our families had the opportunity to attend Catholic schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade,” Mary Beth said. “This indelible mark on our lives – growing up with the guidance from religious sisters and priests and dedicated lay persons for 13 years – helped us realize the impact a Catholic education had on our actions and thoughts. Our 48-year marriage benefited from a strong Catholic faith. Faith pulls you through good times and tough times.”
“We again were blessed in that our five children had the same opportunity as we by attending Saint Nicholas School and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School,” she continued. “They were endowed with a deep faith in God and family. In both schools, they developed lasting friendships with classmates who shared the same attributes and beliefs. A Catholic Education has had a profound impact on our children’s lives in raising their children and serving the needs of the Church. Several of our grandchildren are blessed to be the fourth generation at Saint Nicholas in Nicktown, and the oldest are the third generation at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School, in Ebensburg.”
It became clear to Mary Beth that upon her husband’s passing, she wanted to make a difference in the lives of other young students and help them to afford a Catholic Education so they may also grow in faith and love of the Church.
She concluded, “I encourage others to follow your beliefs and to make a difference in the lives of others by establishing lasting funds for the good of another.”
At the time of Ralph’s passing, $20,100 was donated in lieu of flowers to establish this scholarship endowment. Additional contributions in memory of Ralph Lieb may be made either online at www.icfoundation.us or to “Independent Catholic Foundation,” 3618 5th Avenue, Suite 1, Altoona, PA 16602. Kindly note “Lieb Family Endowment” on the memo line of your check.
The Lieb Family Endowment for Catholic Education is among 284 funds managed by the Independent Catholic Foundation, Altoona.
