Ronald Ripley

Ronald M. Ripley, 80, of Van Wert died unexpectedly at 12:57 PM on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at Van Wert Health.  He was born on April 23, 1938 in Roanoke, Indiana to the late Ward Ripley and Doris (Brumbaugh) Rutenberg.  On January 22, 1961 he married the first love of his life, Phyllis J. Roesner and she preceded him in death on June 5, 1996.  In June of 1999 he met the final love of his life, Nancy Friemoth, who survives of Van Wert.

Ron retired from the Chrysler Amplex and GKN Sinter Metals, both of Van Wert and had worked auctions with Bee Gee Realty of Van Wert.  He was a veteran of the United States Army serving as an active duty M.P. from 1961-1963.  Ron attended the Jennings Road Church of Christ in Van Wert for many years.  He was a member of the Van Wert American Legion Post #178 and the Van Wert County Fruit Growers Association where he volunteered at the Apple Festival for many years.  He also volunteered at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, the Van Wert Chapter of the American Red Cross, and took a very special interest, and was an avid champion of the Pregnancy Life Center in Van Wert.  Ron enjoyed gardening and working tirelessly in his yard.  He loved the Lord and made sure to read the bible every day.

In addition to Nancy, Ron is also survived by his children, Kelley Young of Van Wert, Kent (Nasim Deljou) Ripley of Las Vegas, Nevada, Rob (Karen) Friemoth of Waterville, Ohio, and Amy (Greg) Knapinski of Troy, Ohio; grandchildren, Nikki (Fiance`: Jake Arnold) Young, Carlee Young, Zachary Feasby, Alyssa Knapinski, Andrew Knapinski, Gabriella Friemoth, and Anthony Friemoth; a brother, Robert (Cindy) Ripley of Ft Wayne, Indiana; and a sister, Carolyn Riley of Ft Wayne.

Ron was also preceded in death by his son in law, Dave Young.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory with Pastor Dave Ray officiating.  Burial with military graveside services will immediately follow at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00 PM on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be directed to the Pregnancy Life Center or to the Jennings Road Church of Christ Building Fund.

Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com