Bruce Dempsey Raibley
Dr. Bruce Dempsey Raibley, 61, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away at 8:34 a.m. Thursday, September 11, 2008, at his home.
Dr. Raibley practiced General dentistry at his Green River Road location for 35 years.
He graduated from Bosse High School in 1965 and from The University of Evansville in 1969. He graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1973, which made him the fifth member of the Raibley family to do so. He was a long-time member of The Methodist Temple Church.
He was very active in organized dentistry having served as President of the Vanderburgh County Dental Society, the First District Dental Society, the First District Academy of General Dentistry, and the Indiana University School of Dentistry Alumni Association. He served as Trustee to the Indiana Dental Association for 10 years representing Southwestern Indiana. He also served as a Delegate and Alternate Delegate to the American Dental Association Annual Session for several years. In addition, he served on the Council on Dental Practice of the American Dental Association in Chicago and numerous committees and subcommittees over his four-year term representing Indiana and Ohio.
He was a member of the Governor's Task Force for Dental Health for the State of Indiana, Xi Psi Phi Dental Fraternity, and was recently honored with the Indiana Dental Association "Distinguished Service Award."
On a national level he was honored as a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists, a Fellow of The Academy of General Dentistry and a member of the International College of Dentists for which he has served as a Southern Indiana director for the past few years.
He loved his family, music, great friends, dentistry, great food and wine, Da Bears, the Cardinals, the Bulls, and Indiana University athletics. He was a "wanna be" musician and played bass for the "Rocking R" band.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Otto and Hallie Raibley of Boonville and the Reverend Rodney and Fannie Holder of Owensville. He was also preceded by a daughter, Janet Lynn Raibley, and his mother-in-law, Clara Rector.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, high school sweetheart, and soul mate, Brenda "Rector" Raibley; a daughter, Jamie Raibley of Chicago, IL; and a son, Dr. Jason Raibley and his wife Dr. Marcy Raibley of Long Beach, CA; his loving and ever supportive parents, Mary Helen and Dr. Parvin Raibley of Evansville, IN; and two brothers, Brian and Brent Raibley, both of Evansville and Brent's wife Jennifer.
He is also survived by his father-in-law, Troy Rector, sisters-in-law, Sharon McCormick and Teresa Grotius, brothers-in-law, Steve Rector and Dale Rector, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He was greatly blessed by his longtime employees Wilma Combs, Beverly Nix, Carol Spaulding, Pam Baker, Julie Merkel, and Teresa Grotius. He also always felt privileged to have so many fine patients whom he considered to be his friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2008, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel - 5330 Washington Avenue with Chaplain Coy Walters officiating. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery in Boonville, Indiana.
Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. Monday, September 15, 2008, at Boone Funeral Home - East Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Vanderburgh Department of Health-Dental Clinic, 420 Mulberry Street, Evansville, Indiana 47713 or The Indiana School of Dentistry, 1121 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
September 12, 2008
A truly wonderful man who took great care of the dental needs of my wife, my 8 year old daughter (the only dentist she has ever known) and myself. News of his passing brought tears of sorrow to my eyes. He will be greatly missed, but I know he's jammin in rock and roll heaven. My deepest condolences to his family and the wonderful ladies at the office. Dan, Brenda & Olivia Bertinelli (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
Bruce was my dentist for all my adult life, and was taking care of my husband and children also. I always will appreciate his kindness and will greatly miss him. He made going to the dentist like going to visit a friend, (goes for the staff as well). Kim Brack (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
Dr. Raibley was our dentist for over 20 years. Such a kind and gentle man who truely cared for his patients. What a great man. He always had a smile and cheerful word. And was a great I.U. fan. Truely the world has lost a great one.
Our prayers are with your family in this time. Joe and Tammy Greenwell (Avondale, AZ)
September 13, 2008
Dear Brenda, family and "girls at the office", I am one of those many patients who considered Dr. Bruce a good friend. He and "the girls" have taken such good care of me and my family, for nearly 20 years. I have been praying for you all for a long time, but especially hard the past few weeks. I new a couple weeks ago that Bruce was really pushing hard, it was the day he was supposed to start a new chemo. He wasn't looking forward to that, but he said,"maybe it will help." I left there with tears in my eyes that day. I know he wasn't ready to leave us, but I guess God needs him more.
Brenda, Dr. Parvin and family, Bruce loved you all so much. He talked about you all of the time with a smile in his heart and a twinkle in his eye. I feel like I know you all. He was so proud. I can't understand the depth of your pain, but I pray that God will see you through. I will miss him too. In Christ's love, Sharon Sexson-Lyle (Lynnville, IN)
September 13, 2008
We haven't lived in the Evansville area for well over 20 year. Have always compared our latest dentist to Dr. Raibley... none will ever compare. Ken Botsch (Round Rock, TX)
September 13, 2008
We have lost a great dentist, a great man, a great friend and my best buddy. I know that all who knew Bruce will miss him forever, I know that I will. I know that he is playing guitar in the greatest band ever now. I would love to see his face when he misses a chord while Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Buddy, Ricky and Elvis watch. I love you buddy. Things will never be the same without you Bopper. Jerry "The King" Lauer (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
I'll never forget the fun times we had playing music in Wally's barn, and the New Years Eve parties that we shared.
Bruce was a great guy, and will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences go out to Brenda and her family. John Bennett (Newburgh, IN)
September 13, 2008
Bruce has been our dentist for 21 years. We picked him because his office was close to home but we kept him as our dentist because of his friendliness and concern for our comfort whenever we needed him. Going to the dentist can be a fearful and painful event, but going to see Dr. Bruce was fun. He was a great guy and a super dentist. Our kids really liked him too. We are definitely going to miss him. I guess I'm glad I needed that filling on the Tuesday before he died because I got to see him one more time. Goodbye Dr. Bruce. Greg and Beth Valentine (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
Bruce was my wife and I's dentist for 30 years. He was truly a gentleman and a good friend. He will be greatly missed by any and all who were fortunate to have met him. Ken Kraus (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We all considered you a fine friend as well as a Dentist; words can't describe how much you will be missed by all of our family. God bless you, as you were a fine man! We shall miss you dearly, nobody will be able to replace your kind and warm care all of your patients came to expect. Rest in peace my friend, as we will pray for you, although we will never forget you. To all Bruce's family we express our deepest expressions of grief. Love, Dean & Jacque Becher & Family. (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
I have been a Raibley pt. all my life. First with Parvin and now with Bruce. I have to say I looked forward to going to the dentist because of Bruce's gentle ways and personal attention. The staff were always friendly and remember your name. I truly dread looking for another dentist, nobody else could ever compare to the Raibley's. My thoughts and prayers are with the Raibley family. So sorry for your loss. Susan Sims (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
Brenda and family: My whole family was very sad to hear about Bruce. We all looked forward to going in the office because we knew we were in good company. A clean sweet spirited Dentist, office, and staff. Our talk was always about the kids and what they were doing now. Bruce was so proud of his children and their accomplishments. Especially, his soul mate Brenda. Thank you for the precious memories. We won't forget. Don't you know my grandson at Newburgh is a Freshman at IU this year. I will miss this conversation. "Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they confort me. PSALM 23:4. Martha A. Todrank (Evansville,, IN)
September 13, 2008
We are on grandparent duty in Delaware and unable to visit. What a fun time we had talking sports and exchanging cohibas! Deepest sympathy from both of us. Deane & Tony Inzerello (Newburgh, IN)
September 13, 2008
Our condolences go to Brenda and family. You all will be in our prayers. We will miss him. Dr. Bruce Raibley was a very kind and humble man. I'm glad my husband and I were able to see him Monday. He was our dentist for 26 or 27 years. He was the first dentist who was able to work on my teeth. I remember the first time sitting in his chair, I was vibrating, that's how scared I was. He never hurt me. Gene and Sandy Heilman Heilman (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
To Brenda and the family of Dr. Raibley...we are sadden by the news of Dr. Raibley. I have been going to his office since I was a child, along with my brother Ron. I now have children of my own going there now. We have always loved Dr. Raibley and will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Brenda Minnis (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
Leroy and I are so sorry for your loss Brenda. I felt like I knew Bruce more personally than I actually did because of my Brother Jerry. He talked of Bruce a lot and I know how much he will miss him too. Rita Jo Shoultz from Homer Alaska
September 13, 2008
Brenda, Jason, & Jamie, Words cannot express our sorrow with the passing of Bruce. Our hearts are with you at this sad occasion. We hope that in time, the hurt and pain of his being gone will be replaced with all the loving and happy times you shared together. Sincerely, Bettye & Glendall Smith (Ft. Myers, FL)
September 13, 2008
Bruce's love of life was contagious. He treated his staff and patients like family. My husband loved to talk to Bruce about IU sports. I enjoyed getting updates on his kids. We've lost not only our dentist of 15 yrs today, but a friend. Bruce's family and staff are in our prayers. Sincerely, Beth & David Clark (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
HE WAS A WONDERFUL PERSON. WE WILL MISS HIS SMILE AND GENTAL WAYS. HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND AND GREAT DENTIST. ROBERT & JUANITA DILLEN (EVANSVILLE, IN)
September 13, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce. He was a great person and the best dentist. I always looked forward to seeing him and talking with him. I will miss him both as a friend and dentist. My condolences to his family, friends, the wonderful ladies in the office, and all of his other patients who like me will feel as though they have lost a friend. Kevin Coleman (Wadesville, IN)
September 13, 2008
We are so sorry for your loss, we enjoyed having Bruce as our dentist, Jim always enjoyed talking about music with him. He thought he had great taste in music. He will be greatly missed. James & Tamara Keller (Evansville, IN)
September 13, 2008
Dr. Bruce was such a caring, gentle and compassionate man. I have been a patient of his since I was a child. As a grown woman, I still would drive from New Harmony, IN. to see him and his wonderful staff. I will truely miss his soft voice and smile. Janice and Randy Heinlin (New Harmony, IN)
September 13, 2008
Parvin and Mary Helen, Our deepest sympathy. It is not meant to lose a child before we leave this world. We share your loss. But we must accept GOD'S will. Gary, Judy, Rose Henry (Newburgh, IN)
September 13, 2008
How sad we are to have lost our dear Bruce. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Brenda. Lori & Meg Blair (Nantucket, MA)
September 13, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Gary Beck MD (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
Brenda and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bruce was my dentist for almost 30 years. I use to drive miles just to go to him. May God be with you at this difficult time. Susan Barnett (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
Dear Family and Friends of Dr. Bruce, You are in my thoughts and prayers as this time. I also have your names on the monastery prayer board. May God Bless and comfort you, and grant you peace. What a wonderful man Bruce was. Sincerely, Sr. Jayn Lein (Ferdinand, IN)
September 14, 2008
I had the honor of Dr. Raibley servicing me for the very first time at his practice the week before last. We will miss him. God bless his family at this time and all days ahead. Love and prayers: Greg Grotius (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
I am saddened to learn of Dr. Bruce's passing. He was my dentist for over 20 years, and I always enjoyed my visits with him and his fantastic staff. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. John Kuhn (Evansville)
September 14, 2008
I have been a patient of Dr. Bruce Raibley's for several years now and I will greatly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Kathy Woolsey (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
I left Evansville seven years ago so I did not know Dr. Raibley had been sick. As I reviewed the newspaper via the internet, I was stunned when I saw that he had passed away. I feel as though I have lost a good friend. He was not only a fine dentist, he was an outstanding human being. One Christmas Eve morning one of my crowns fell out. That meant going through the holidays without being able to enjoy Christmas dinner. I left a message on his office phone and within an hour he called and said to meet him at his office. He took care of my problem and seemed happy to be of help. I never forgot his kindness. He always made me laugh and he always made sure I received the finest dental care. To Dr. Raibley's family: My heartfelt sorrow for you at this time of such a staggering loss. I send you warm thoughts and prayers of comfort. I hope you find peace remembering all he did and all he was. Jeanne Sexson (Leesburg, GA)
September 14, 2008
Brenda I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Dr. Raibley became a dear friend to me when I worked at the Indiana Dental Association - he was a very special person. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Karrie (Reis) Sutton (Star City IN)
September 14, 2008
I would like to extend my condolences to the family of Bruce Raibley. Bruce was a great contributor to the Indiana Dental Association and through his contributions became a good friend to all of us. Mark R. Stetzel DDS President, Indiana Dental Association (Fort Wayne, IN)
September 14, 2008
Our prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Dr. Raibley will really be missed. Diane Newcomb (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
Bruce was one of the nicest men I ever meet. He became my daughter's and my dentist when we moved here. It was always a pleasure to go to his office because of him and his staff. Between the music and the smiles you always felt at home. He will be greatly missed. Diana Dillon (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
I have gone to Bruce for over 25 yrs. He was so kind and caring. My kids love him so much. He never made them scared. He was so gentle and so was all of his staff. They were all like a big happy family. I am truly sorry for your loss. He is in the most caring hands now and will be at peace and pain free. Waiting for his loved one to join him when it is there time. We will truly miss him. Our prayers or with his family and staff. Pat, Heather, Heath Allen (Evansville, IN)
September 14, 2008
To the Raibley family - we are so thankful for Dr. Bruce and all he and his family have done for us throughout the years. We will be keeping you all in our prayers during this time. Zach & Kara Hopkins (Newburgh, IN)
September 14, 2008
Brenda: I was sorry to learn of Bruce's death, and can only imagine the depth of your grief as you come to terms with his loss in your and your family's lives. He was, as you know better than anyone, both a talented and gentle spirit who made his impact on people with grace and generosity. I appreciate having known both of you when we were all younger and dealing with much less serious matters, and trust that the mutual web of friends you have developed since then can offer meaningful comfort to you in the weeks and months ahead. Warmly, John Danner (Berkeley, CA)
September 14, 2008
My sympathy to all who knew Bruce. As the drummer for the 'Rockin R' band I can testify Bruce was more than a wanna be musician. He was The Real Deal! There is another 'Star' in Rock n Roll Heaven Today. Rock on my Friend . Tom Quirk (Evansville)
September 14, 2008
Bruce was an icon - representing an era that spanned over 61 years - a "low rider" who stayed in the background, nurturing his music, his love of his practice, his abetting those who were in need; but mostly,
his love for his friends, children and his beloved wife. We will miss him as more than an individual who passed this way on Earth, but as an inspiration for what should be in the future, and we will work forever and continuously to carry on his ethical and moral conduct in the dentist industry as his "team" who lovingly watched out for him each and every day. Teresa Grotius (Evansville)
September 14, 2008
BRENDA, I'M NOT SURE YOU REMEMBER MY FAMILY, BUT I'LL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN MY PRAYERS. BARBARA SCOTT (INDIANAPOLIS, IN)
September 14, 2008
To Brenda and Family of Bruce, We were so sorry to hear of Bruce's death. He was a dental classmate and advocate in dentistry. Our prayers are with you at this time of such great loss. Larry & Nancy Roberts
Elkhart, Indiana
September 14, 2008
What a great loss. Dr. Bruce has been dentist to my family for over 20 years and he attended the funerals of both my mom & dad. I remember the first time I went to him and was told he was more afraid of inflicting pain than his patients were of receiving it! He was so kind & gentle that I lost my fear of dentists. He never failed to ask about everyone in my family when I saw him. And his never-ending music collection was awesome!! May his family (and his staff) be comforted knowing he is with his heavenly Father now. Betty Betz
September 14, 2008
Dr. Raibley and his staff treated my mother with sympathy and gentleness even into her declining years. I was very grateful for his kindness. Karin VanTuyl Chess (Evansville, IN)
September 15, 2008
I didn't know Bruce personally, but if he was like Parvin he must have been a fine dentist and a good guy. I'm very sorry to hear about his death. Carl Pfeiffer (Evansville)
September 15, 2008
Dr. Bruce you are the best. Never wanted to hurt anyone because he didn't like pain. My grandson always wanted to go to the dentist. Everyone will miss your smile and music. My prayers are with the family and the girls in the office. Desiree Frank (Evansville)
September 15, 2008
Dr Raibley has been our family dentist for 28 years and has become a close friend, all the family is in our hearts and prayers, I cannot imagine any dentist any better than Dr. Raibley, he will truly be missed. Rebecca Southard (Henderson, KY)
September 15, 2008
We offer our sincere condolences to the Raibley family. Over the last 7 years, Bruce was a tremendous role model to us both. He exemplified honesty, kindness, compassion, selflessness, and expertise. He was a blessing to dentistry and his lessons to younger dentists will never be forgotten. Jimmy Blackburn Krie Brasseale (Evansville, IN)
September 15, 2008
Dear Uncle Bruce: I will miss you, as I have for some time. I would not be where I am today without your help, insight, and support- thank you. My prayers are with Aunt Brenda, Jason and Marcy, Jamie, and the rest of your family, friends, and patients who will greatly miss you too. I wish I could have told you how much you meant to me and I wish I could have said "goodbye." Stephen Wargel (Newburgh, IN)
September 15, 2008
I was so saddened to read of Dr. Bruces passing. He was a wonderful dentist and a great person. I have gone to him since I was 19 and I am now 50. Lost my fear of dentists with him, there will never be another like him. My heart goes out to his family and the girls in the office. We will miss him!! Godspeed! Deanna Froman (Lynnville, IN)
September 15, 2008
Dear Brenda and family - Jim and I were saddened to hear the news about Bruce. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will always remember his warm and humorous ways and are fortunate to have known him. He should always be remembered as loved by his friends as well as his family. I was also fortunate to work with him and to have you as neighbors. Jan and Jim Dittoe (Carmel, IN)
September 15, 2008
Jamie, my sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family, our prayers and thoughts are with you. Brandon Barnett and Laura Keach (Evansville, IN)
September 15, 2008
Bruce has been our dentist for so many years I've lost count. I went to him scared to death and knew I had a lot of dental work that needed to be done. Bruce was a gift from God to me, a true professional in all he did for me and my family as a dentist over the years, but above all he was a human being, full of compassion, never wanting to hurt you and would do all he could not to. We loved the atmosphere at the office, music to sooth and friendly smiles from all, especially Bruce. To the family and all of "girls" at the office we send our deepest sympathies for your loss. Dennis & Donna Ziegler (Mt. Vernon, IN)
September 15, 2008
I've been a patient of Dr Bruce's for almost 20 years. What a wonderful person he was! He will be sadly missed by all. My sincere sympathy to his family and staff. You will be in my thoughts and prayers at this
difficult time. Sincerely, Vicki Jenkins (Corydon, KY)
September 15, 2008
We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Raibleys passing. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time. Staff of Dr. John Greif (Evansville, IN)
September 16, 2008
Dr. Raibley was the first dentist I worked for out of hygiene school in 1986.He was so patient with me and was a joy to be around. I never will forget his love for IU and that was the year he got seats to the final four. He talked about the game for weeks! My prayers are with your family.God Bless,Cindy Walker Davis Cindy Davis (Haubstadt, IN)
September 16, 2008
Dear Brenda & family, I have gone to Dr. Raibley since I was 18 And I am almost 37 he was the best Dentist anyone could ever want he really cared for his patients and always did an awesome job. I had my teeth bonded over 11 yrs. ago and I always have people that don't even know me tell me how great my teeth look. I have 2 children and they also went to Dr. Raibley and just loved him. We will miss his greatly. He was the best. MICHELLE KOLLEY (LYNNVILLE, IN)
September 16, 2008
Dear Aunt Brenda, Jason and Jamie: We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We will never forget all the wonderful times we had together, especially during Christmas, when we would spend hours celebrating great times with the family. We will cherish those memories forever. I will also never forget all the wonderful things Uncle Bruce did for his family, friends and patients. He had a generous spirit, was an exceptionally gentle dentist and cared a lot about his family. We miss Uncle Bruce very much, and he will be in our hearts and minds forever. Love, Tara, Michael and Bridget Eddie (Shakopee, MN)
September 16, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Dr. Raibley was our family dentist. He was the most compassionate, funny man there was. We will truly miss him. Debra & Nicholas Starkey (Henderson, KY)
September 16, 2008
Brenda, Our old classmate, John David Danner, said it best. Bruce was a most kind and gentle spirit. Memories of all those years ago, when Bruce, Gary, Wally and I and all the others hung together came flooding back. What a devastating and crushing loss for us all. Even as I write this I see his special laughing smile and hear his voice. It seems as if we should still be on our way to see Bosse playing North in basketball and watching you lead cheers. Special friends are life-time friends, even when you only see them once every 5-10 years. Moreover, they are irreplaceable. My prayers and love go out to you, your family and Bruce's parents. May God care for you in a special way during this most difficult time. (Please know that I would have sent flowers but was out of town and did not get back until this morning, 16 September.) David McDonald (Bangkok, Thailand)
