Erika Thiele

Erika Thiele of Milford, Ohio passed away March 23, 2025, at the age of 89. Erika Aloisia Rybkova was born in 1935 in Teplice, Czechoslovakia. At the end of World War II, Erika and her family were forced from their home and fled the communist Russian takeover of Czechoslovakia. Erika and sister, Adelaide, were separated from their parents, Frank and Albina Rybka, for a time, but eventually the family was reunited at a refugee camp in Germany. Her sister, Adi emigrated to the United States with her husband. Originally destined for South America, but waylaid by adverse circumstances, Erika and her parents emigrated to Union City, New Jersey by way of Italy. It was there that she met Albert, a German immigrant, and they were married in 1955. Albert and Erika soon made their way to Cincinnati, Ohio where they settled to raise a family and became naturalized citizens of the United States in 1958. Erika was a wonderful wife, mother, cook, baker, seamstress, and knitter. She volunteered for 24 years with the American Field Service as area coordinator for foreign exchange students and volunteered many years with the National T.T.T. Society in Cincinnati. She retired from work at McAlpin’s/Dillard’s after 40+ years to care for her husband, Albert, prior to his passing in 2012.

Erika is survived by her son, Harold Thiele (Susan), Milford, OH and daughter, Heidi Martin (Doug), Sidney, OH; as well as grandsons: Nicholas (Laura) Thiele and Andrew (Alyssa) Thiele; and great-grandsons: Kaiden, Kaiser, Cohen, and Brody.

Erika will be cremated in accordance with her wishes and her memory honored by the family in a private way. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati. (hospiceofcincinnati.org)

Megie Funeral Home & Crematory – Craver Chapel caring for the family.