Thelma M. Ripberger

Thelma M. Lyons Ripberger, 86, formerly of the Glenwood community, died Friday, September 23, 2011, at the Brown County Nursing Home, Nashville. Thelma was a Fayette County native, born September 24, 1924 to Virgil and Viola LaFuze Lyons. She was a 1942 graduate of Alquina High School and was married to James H. Ripberger, April 11, 1942 in Milroy. Thelma had been employed for many years as the office manager at the Fayette County Farm Bureau Co-Op. She was an active member of the Springersville Christian Church until her health required her to move near her daughter. She enjoyed reading, playing bunco and quilting. She also liked oil painting, researching genealogy, corresponding and visits from her family and friends. Thelma is survived by four children and their spouses: Barry L. Ripberger and Diana of Connersville, Barbara K. Devito and Mick of New Palestine, Beverly J. Hill and Paul of Georgetown, Kentucky, Gloria S. Dobbs of Nashville; Fifteen grandchildren and their spouses: Richard Ripberger and Lisa, Timothy Ripberger and Angie, all of Lafayette, Louisiana, Cherry Whipple of Austin, Texas, Adam Ripberger of Connersville, Amy Haustetter and Jon, Rachel Devito, Mindy Jones and John, all of Indianapolis, Missy Roddy and Tom of New Palestine, Sarah McDonald and Ken of Cincinnati, Ohio, Becca Mammen and Chris, Samantha, Tiffany and Brittany Hill, all of Georgetown, Kentucky, Sammy Dobbs and Stacey of Tomball, Texas, Michael Dobbs and Kim of Nashville; 25 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and friends. Thelma was preceded in death by her husband who died November 3, 2003, her sisters and their spouses: Mary Alice Bender and Alfred, Margaret Towler and Carl, her father: Virgil Lyons; her mother: Viola Lyons Coons; her step-father: Fred Coons and son-in-law: Samuel T. Dobbs II. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Springersville Christian Church with Pastor Rodney Barbee and John C. Jones II, officiating. Interment will follow in Springersville Cemetery. Friends may visit at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and after 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Springersville Christian Church. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.