Helen F. Rippey

Helen F. Rippey, age 89, peacefully passed away at home on January 8, 2021. Helen was born June 13, 1931, in Yukon, MO. The daughter of Allen and Anna (Cudworth) Williams. She married James “Wayne” Rippey on July 30, 1950. Wayne and Helen lived in Milton, IA and operated the Milton Meat Processing Plant for 14 years before moving to Fairfield in 1964. Helen was employed by Harper Brush Works for 28 years; upon retiring in 1993 she stayed busy for the next 10 years working side by side with Wayne providing lawn services.

Helen worked hard to provide a comfortable home and loved spending time with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed camping, traveling and craft work.

Helen is survived by her four children; Betty (Elliott Vealey) Zeagler, Fairfield, IA, Russell (Ruth) Rippey, Libertyville, IA, Larry (Cindy) Rippey, Fairfield, IA and Barb (Gordon) Pilcher, Fairfield, IA. Helen's grandchildren; David (Dorae) Rippey, Robyn Rippey, Renea Rippey, Lisa (Josh) Phillips, Jason (Doreen) Rippey, Cari Porter, Casie (Adam) Bergman, Deon (Dave Rude) Kensett, Erin (Denver) Carlson, Jerod (Jenn) Pilcher. Helen was blessed with 18 great-grandchildren.

Helen is also survived by a sister; Mary Shultz, Kahoka, MO, brother; Larry Joe Williams, Tucson, AZ, brother Keith (Judy) Williams, Stockport, IA, brother in-law; Stephen Rippey, Des Moines, IA and many nieces and nephews.

Helen is preceded in death by her husband Wayne on October 24, 2011. Her parents, her infant son; James Williams Rippey, a son in-law; Bobby Zeagler, a grandson in-law; Jim Mrogenski, a great­ granddaughter; Rena Pilcher, a brother and sister in-law; Frank (Etta) Williams, a sister and brother in-law; Laura (Erleu) Cline, her brother; Dick Williams, a brother in-law; Arza Shultz, a sister in-law; Maggie Williams and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial cards may be sent to Barb Pilcher at 1837 Brookville Road, Fairfield, IA 52556. Memorials will go to Hospice Compassus.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Behner Funeral Home.  The family will not be present.

There will be a graveside service at Milton Cemetery at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 13, 2021 with Pastor J.D. Boatman officiating.

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" - Dr Seuss

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