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Service Information Dianne Louise Ripley |
An immediate family gathering to celebrate her life will be held at a later date Memorials: Disabled American Veterans P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 https://www.dav.org/ or American Kidney Association 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852 https://www.kidneyfund.org/ |
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Dianne Louise Ripley of Alto, MI, passed away on October 21, 2024, at the age of 86, surrounded by her three beloved daughters. Dianne was born in Grand Rapids to Richard and Caroline Harvey. Her early years were challenging while her father was deployed during WWII, but her mother, aunt, and grandmother all loved and cared for her. Their small family flourished once Richard returned safely, but injured, and Dianne grew up in a home that recognized the meaning of family, the importance of helping others, and the love of the Lord. Growing up Dianne longed for a brother, but it took nearly 20 years for her brother, Mark, to be born. Dianne married Harold Ripley in 1959 and soon mother and daughter were raising children together. This led to a unique and close bond between Dianne and Mark. Sadly, he passed away at 17 years old and took a piece of Dianne’s heart with him to heaven. Dianne and Harold moved their young family out to “the farm” in 1967 and soon joined Peace Reformed Church. Dianne poured her love into her family. She was a caring and faithful wife to Harold, an amazing and loving mother to Terri (Dale) O’Connor, Sandy (Scott) McCarty, and Beverly (Doug) Koetsier. Although she always wished for a boy, she later came to realize that God gifted her with daughters so that she would also gain wonderful sons-in-law. Her blessings continued with each of her seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren who she showered with love. Dianne was a humble, kind and private person with a true heart for giving. She never liked the limelight so she would bake delicious homemade meals and cookies and then quietly deliver them to the doorsteps of family, friends, and those in need. She worked for Caledonia Elementary School as the Head Cook for 20 years where she was adored by kids and staff alike. Upon retirement in 1992, Dianne stayed busy in her vegetable and flower gardens, sewing cross stitch pictures, and keeping the US Postal Service in operation with her mountains of handwritten letters to family and friends. Dianne was preceded in death by her brother, both parents, her husband of 48 years, an aunt, Marcella Houston, and sister-in-law, Judye Ripley. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands; grandchildren, Rachel Pillar, Andrew (Amy) O'Connor, Patrick (Kathryn) O'Connor, Katie (Derrick) Brock, Jacob (Jackie) McCarty, Audrey (Tim) O'Connor, Alex (fiancée, Emily) Koetsier; and brother-in-law, Robert Ripley. Per Dianne’s wishes, the immediate family will gather to celebrate her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Disabled American Veterans or the American Kidney Association. |
STROO FUNERAL HOME
1095 68TH ST SE
GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49508
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