Russell A. Rippey

Russell Arge Rippey, 91, of Mingo, died Monday, October 21, 2024, at his home outside Ira.  Russell’s family will greet friends from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.  A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, November 2, at Union Chapel in rural Ira, followed by burial at Union Chapel Cemetery.  Memorials to Union Chapel can be left at the funeral home or at the church on the day of the service.

   Russell, the son of William Gale and Florence Irene (Vieth) Rippey, was born February 13, 1933. Russell has 2 sisters, Margaret (Dennis) Page and Zella (E. James) Rogers.

   Russell attended elementary school in Ira and graduated from high school in Mingo. He served his country in the Army and was stationed in Germany. He started farming after he was discharged from the Army.

   Russell and Evelyn (Hall) Rippey were married at Mingo Methodist Church on October 7, 1956. They were married 68 years and 2 weeks. Russell and Evelyn were blessed with 4 wonderful daughters: Cynthia (Greg) Westjohn, Nancy Withers, Sandra (Paul) Kelly, and Abigail (Tony) Birkenholtz. His grandchildren are Heather (Eric) Will, Holly (Jason) Herboth, Jessie (Derek) Walk, Michelle (Brad) Parsons, Kate Rippey, Andrea (Cole) Horsman, Colton Birkenholtz and Wyatt Birkenholtz. His great-grandchildren are Jessie, Kaitlynn, Allisyn, Elias, Finn, Ezra, Mason, Olivia, Kynnedi, Miles, Easton, Jaxon, Mackenzie, Lucas, Vincent, and Collin.  Russell was very dedicated to his family and loved spending time with them.

   After their retirement, Russell and Evelyn had a wonderful time going on bus trips and made several close friends on these trips. They loved working together on the yard and garden. In the winter, he worked in his woodworking shop.

   Russell was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his Uncle Russell; nephew, John Rogers; and brother-in-law, James Rogers.

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