Kathleen Shirley “Katie, Kay Kay” Ripberger, age 85, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2021. She was reunited with several loved ones that had gone before her and who she missed dearly and talked about often: her parents, Laura “Bea” and Albert Estill Cooper; siblings, Dottie Osborne, Carl “Pody” Cooper, Ernest “Pete” Cooper, and Roy Robertson; beloved aunt, Mae Rentfro; and special friend, Josie.
She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Kathleen will be missed dearly by many. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Herb Ripberger; children, Shirley (Mike) Weiss of Centerville, Terry (Sharon) Thompson of Richmond, David (Shirley) Thompson of Centerville, and Ronnie Thompson of Richmond; stepchildren, Amy (Randall) Russell and Mike (Dawn) Ripberger, both of Liberty, Indiana; siblings, Anna Robertson, Alma Sweet, Al Cooper; and her sister-in-law, Lois Cooper. Kathleen was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She was also special to many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Kathleen worked many years at a cabinet factory in Richmond and was able to enjoy an early retirement doing what she loved and spending time with her family. Kathleen loved to drive wherever her heart desired. She enjoyed riding along with her husband on the golf course and critiquing his golf game. Kathleen was an avid bingo player and won often. She was also a legendary marble player and took great pleasure in beating her son-in-law. Kathleen looked forward to playing cards weekly with her family, as well. She loved to cook and made delicious pies that the family all fought over at holiday gatherings, and she truly lit up at Christmas. Kathleen was a kind, loyal, strong, and generous woman. She would do anything for her family and lived to see her great-grandchildren, great-nieces, and great-nephews grow up. The little ones in her family were her pride and joy, and her family will make sure her memory lives on in their hearts for years to come.
Visitation for Kathleen Shirley Ripberger will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at Mills Funeral Home, 405 East Main Street, Centerville. The family requests that masks be worn in the funeral home. A private, family funeral service will be held at a later date. Burial will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: American Heart Association/Stroke Association Midwest Affiliate, Memorials & Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.