Assistant VP Donna Frances Hall Ribet Dies of Ovarian Cancer

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Note to Editors: This article originally appeared in the Durham Herald-Sun.

Durham, NC -- Duke Assistant Vice President Donna Frances Hall Ribet, one of the leading financial officers at Duke, died on May 23, 2008, of ovarian cancer. She was 56.

Donna was born in Durham County on June 22, 1951, to William C. Hall and the late Naomi Holt Hall and was employed by Duke University for 35 years.

Donna's 35 years of service to Duke University and Duke University Medical Center include service in the Payroll Office, Sponsored Programs Department, Duke Hospital Budgets and Financial Management Department, and Duke University Financial Services. Her current position was Assistant Vice President, Budgeting and Cost Allocations. Major responsibilities included review and preparation of the annual university budget and forecast processes; coordination and reporting on the university capital projects; review, communications and coordination of the cost accounting system results; participation in the annual pay salary update procedures; and preparation of monthly financial management reports for senior leadership and Board of Trustees. Donna was a member of numerous leadership teams at Duke, most notably, the Budget Working Group, the Capital Project Executive Committee, and the Executive Vice President's Money Group.

She leaves to treasure her memory her devoted and loving husband of 24 years, James Ribet; her beloved son, Greg Latta and wife Karen of Louisville, Kentucky; her father William C. Hall of Durham; her sister, Bobbie Hall Jones and husband Jim of Augusta, Georgia; her brothers, Richard Hall and wife Terry of Rougemont and Steve Hall and wife Brenda of Durham.Donna also leaves a host of nieces and nephews who were very special to her and they all loved their "Aunt Donna" aka "AD", Stephanie Robinson and husband Sam, Rodney Paschal and wife Susan, Zack Hall and wife June all of Charlotte, Mitch Hall of Greenville, SC, Kellie Hill and husband Mark, Colin, Alden and Cassie Hall all of Durham. Donna also doted on her great niece, Hannah Hall and her great nephews, Sam and Benjamin Robinson and James Paschal.

Her engaging enthusiasm for life, friends and family crated a magnetism that was inspiring. Those who knew her will be forever grateful that Donna came into their lives as she was grateful to be apart of theirs. Her greatest delight has always been the accomplishments of others and she will forever be remembered as a great teacher and mentor to her cherished family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on the campus of Duke University in the Divinity School's Goodson Chapel on Tuesday May 27, 2008, at 4 p.m. by the Reverend Gaston Warner. The family will receive friends at a reception on the terrace of Duke Divinity School following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made toDuke Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, Office of Development DUMC 3828 Durham, N.C. 27710 or www.kanziuscancerresearch.com

The family would like to express their appreciation to all of Donna's friends and colleagues who have known her throughout the years, as well as a special thanks to Dr. Laura Havirleski and the Duke Cancer Center. As well as a very special thanks to Donna's friends Tori Nevois and Amy Oates who have offered great support and friendship to both Donna and our family throughout this experience.

The family is being assisted in Durham by Clements Funeral Service Inc.