The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

Ronald M. Ripley

Ronald M. Ripley, 80, of Van Wert, died unexpectedly at 12:57 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at Van Wert Health.

Ronald M. Ripley

He was born on April 23, 1938 in Roanoke, Indiana, the son of Ward Ripley and Doris (Brumbaugh) Rutenberg, who both preceded him in death. On January 22, 1961, he married the first love of his life, the former Phyllis J. Roesner, and she preceded him in death on June 5, 1996.  In June 1999, he met the final love of his life, the former Nancy Friemoth, who survives in Van Wert.

Ron retired from the Chrysler Amplex and GKN Sinter Metals, both of Van Wert, and had worked auctions with Bee Gee Realty of Van Wert. He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving as an active duty MP from 1961-1963. Ron attended Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert and the Van Wert County Fruit Growers Association, where he volunteered at the Apple Festival for many years.  He also volunteered at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, the Van Wert Chapter of the American Red Cross, and took a very special interest, and was an avid champion of, the Pregnancy Life Center in Van Wert. Ron enjoyed gardening and working tirelessly in his yard. He loved the Lord and made sure to read the Bible every day.

In addition to Nancy, Ron is also survived by his children, Kelley Young of Van Wert, Kent (Nasim Deljou) Ripley of Las Vegas, Nevada, Rob (Karen) Friemoth of Waterville, and Amy (Greg) Knapinski of Troy; seven grandchildren, Nikki (fiancé Jake Arnold) Young, Carlee Young, Zachary Feasby, Alyssa Knapinski, Andrew Knapinski, Gabriella Friemoth, and Anthony Friemoth; a brother, Robert (Cindy) Ripley of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and a sister, Carolyn Riley of Fort Wayne.

A son-in-law, Dave Young, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be held at noon Sunday, December 16, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with Pastor Dave Ray officiating. Burial, with military honors, will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Saturday, December 15, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Pregnancy Life Center or the Jennings Road Church of Christ Building Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

POSTED: 12/13/18 at 9:41 pm. FILED UNDER: Obituaries