Darlyne Louise Rippey

Darlyne L Rippey,  passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023 at Thorne Crest Living Community in Albert Lea, MN. Born on June 19, 1927, to the  parents George and Marguerite Martin in St. Joseph, MO, Darlyne's journey was one of immeasurable love, faith, and dedication.

Darlyne's life was forever transformed on May 18, 1946, when she married her high school sweetheart, Dale Rippey. Together, they embarked on a remarkable journey that spanned an admirable 69 years, 17 days shy of their 70^thanniversary, before Dale's passing on May 1, 2016. Throughout their beautiful union, Darlyne and Dale resided in St Joseph, Helena, and King City, all in Missouri, before settling in Omaha, NE, in 1960 where they raised their five beloved sons.

Known for her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, Darlyne led a life of humble service. She and Dale were members of Benson Baptist Church, where they imparted their strong values and deep-rooted faith to  their five sons. In her professional life, Darlyne worked as a bookkeeper at John Markle Ford and Sidles Corporation in Omaha.

Upon their move to Albert Lea in 1975, Darlyne embraced volunteer roles at Calvary Baptist Church, Thorne Crest, and Crest Home, selflessly dedicating her time and energy to help others. Darlyne and Dale delighted in hosting friends and family, creating cherished memories in their home and lake cottage in Waterville, MN. Their adventurous spirits led them on unforgettable journeys across all 50 states, as well as to destinations such as Haiti for short-term missions, Toronto, Australia, New Zealand, and numerous countries in Europe. For 15 years, they became snowbirds, basking in the warmth and volunteer work of Apache Junction, Arizona, particularly at Rainbow Acres.

As we mourn the loss of Darlyne, we are reminded of the profound impact she made on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love will forever be etched in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

Darlyne was preceded in death by her husband Dale, parents George and Marguerite Martin, parents-in-law Lee and Lena Rippey, brother Mike, son Warren, daughter-in-law Donna and grandson Curtis.

She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Jayne Rivera Arlington, TX, Peggy Fairlie Kansas City, MO; sons, Stephen Omaha, NE, Stan (Pamela) Mound City, MO, Neil (Rhonda) Plover, WI, Kevin (Rhonda) Ames, IA; daughter-in-law, Janie Rippey of Abilene, TX; 10 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 3 great-step-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren, with a 5th expected in February 2024. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Bridge Community Church in Albert Lea, MN; Pastor Clayton Balsley will officiate.  Darlyne's family will greet guests at a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Albert Lea, MN. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Croix Hospice, Harold W Kleinpaste Nursing Scholarship at Thorne Crest Living Community; Thorne Crest Senior Living Community - The Harold W. Kleinpaste Nursing Scholarship (networkforgood.com)  or to Rainbow Acres, Camp Verde, AZ; Give – Rainbow Acres