Wilford (Rip) Ripley

Rip was born at home on January 20, 1920 in Bellevue, MI the son of Claude and Velma Pearl (Rial) Ripley. He attended Southwestern School in Battle Creek and Culver School to the 8th grade. In 1942 Rip was drafted. He took basic training at Jefferson Barricks, MO. Rip went to Cooks and Bakers school and became Mess Sergeant. He was sent overseas where he was stationed in Italy, North Africa and Egypt. Rip was discharged from service in 1945.

On December 1, 1942 he married Cleo Kerr. She preceded him in death on September 19, 1999. Rip married Lucille Newberry on April 23, 2007.

Rip was a lifetime member of the Nashville VFW. He loved to fish, and knew all the good fishing holes on Thornapple Lake. Rip's favorite hobby was gardening, he spent hours tending to his corn and tomatoes. He bragged about his peach tree and how good the fruit was.

Rip was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Velma Ripley; wife, Cleo Ripley; siblings: Robert Ripley, Dorothy Martin, Claudine Rapson, Margaret Herman, infant Fredrick, and grandson, Thomas Ripley.

Rip is survived by his wife, Lucille Newberry, son, William (Sue) Ripley of Nashville, MI, daughter, Brenda (Marc) Robertson of Hastings, MI, 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, Lucille's children: Rod, Dan, Bev, Gloria, Maurine and Julie; sister-in-law, Genita Ripley and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nashville VFW #8260, Nashville, MI.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 20, 2013 at 12:00 pm at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. A 1 hour visitation period from 11:00 am until 12:00 pm will be held prior to service time.