Janipher ‘Jan’ Ripley, age 84, passed away Friday, July 2, 2021, at Rutland Regional Medical Center.
“Jan” was born on Election Day, November 3, 1936, on her grandmother and grandfather’s farm (Elm View Farm) in Hamilton, N.Y. She was the daughter of Henry and Dorothy (Snyder) Burgess. She grew up in Hamilton where she received her early education. She graduated from Hamilton Central High School, class of 1954
She earned her degree from Oswego State Teachers College, class of 1958. On July 20, 1957, she married Robert (Bob) Ripley at the Park Methodist Church in Hamilton. In 1960, they moved to Brandon, Vt..
“Jan” worked for Seth Clifford at the local Sear’s store in Brandon, and later was an office secretary for Dr. Arthur Dick and Dr. John Dick. She served as a school secretary at Seminary Hill School and Neshobe School, and worked part-time at Kamuda’s Market in Pittsford.
Her interest included being with family and friends. She especially loved having sleepovers with her grandchildren, making ice cream, playing cards and watching movies. She was an avid sports enthusiast, enjoying all athletic events, and was viewed as the official score-keeper of many games.
She was a member of the Brandon Congregational Church and served on the Board of Deacons, Prudential Board, Flower Committee and Hospitality Committee. She was a longtime member of the Church Choir and Festival Singers. She was also a member of Marble Chapter #80 Order of The Eastern Star for over 50 years, serving as Matron and District Deputy Grand Matron. She volunteered on several local Blood Drives, and she was a volunteer at RRMC.
She belonged to a weekly card group “Hand and Foot.”
Surviving is her husband, Robert “Bob” Ripley of Brandon; daughters: Ellen Ripley Knapp and her husband Dale, Terrie Ripley Patch and her husband Tim, all of Brandon, and her son Rob Ripley and his wife Beth of Leicester. Also, seven grandchildren: Hillary Knapp, Kelsey Knapp, Emily Patch Carter, Samantha Patch, Jeritt Patch, Amanda Ripley Quesnel, and Katherine Ripley; and great grandsons: Luke Robert Quesnel and John Matthew Quesnel. Also her brother, Carl Burgess and his wife Carol of Cortland, N.Y.; two nieces, a nephew and several cousins also survive her. She was predeceased by her parents.
The Memorial Service “In Celebration of Her Life” was held on Friday, July 9, 2021, at the Brandon Congregational Church. The Rev. William Bartholomew officiated. The graveside committal service and burial followed in the family lot at Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandon.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in her memory to: Brandon Congregational Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 97, Brandon, VT 05733 or to Rutland County Humane Society, 765 Stevens Road, Pittsford, VT 05763 and Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital Po Box 50 Memphis, TN 38101.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
