Robert L. Ripley

Robert L. (92) and Mavis R. Ripley, (87), of Willmar, formerly of Pipestone, died within 30 hours of each other at Bethesda Grand in Willmar on April 27th and April 28th respectively.  Their graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 29th at Toronto Cemetery in Toronto, SD, (State Hwy 28 and 477th Ave).  Social distancing and face masks are encouraged. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.  www.hafh.org.

Robert LeRoy was born July 9, 1927, in Pipestone, MN, the son of Harley and Gladys (Buffington) Ripley.  He was the fifth of twelve children, growing up on the family farm.  He served in the United States Marines Corp and was honorably discharged on January 15, 1952.

Mavis Roseann was born April 9, 1933, in Pipestone, MN, the daughter of Frank and Dora (Ross) Powell.  She was the youngest of five children, also growing up on the family farm and graduated from Pipestone High School.

On July 22, 1952, they were united in marriage in Pipestone and this union was blessed with five children.  They lived on a farm near Pipestone where Robert grew grain crops and raised livestock.  Besides helping Robert on the farm, Mavis also was bookkeeper for Anderson Feed Co and worked nights at Pan A Gold Bakery.  She also drove city bus taking people to and from doctor appointments.  Together, they worked at Hollyhock Ballroom in Hatfield on Saturday nights.

When they retired, they moved into a home in Pipestone and then into Good Samaritan Community as they needed more care. They later moved to Willmar to be closer to their daughter and became residents at Bethesda Grand.

Mavis and Robert were members of Our Savior’s Church in Pipestone and became associate members of Calvary Lutheran Church after moving to Willmar.  Mavis was also a member of the Pipestone American Legion Auxiliary.

They were devoted to their family, always helping them in any way possible.

Surviving are their children: Pamela DeKraai of Willmar; Joel (and Vaughn) Ripley of Brookings, SD; Scott (and Mary) Ripley of River Falls, WI; James (and Lisa) Ripley of Canton, SD; eight grandchildren: Robert DeKraai, Christi Wilts, Sarah  Madison, Jesse Ripley, Justin Ripley, Eli Ripley, Josh Reilly, and Chandi Alamos; eleven great grandchildren: Adaline, Eldbridge and Porter DeKraai, McKenzie and Hunter Wilts, Kailea Clites, Vincent and Vivienna Madison, Augustus Ripley, Adler Toft and Hayes Ripley.  Also surviving are Robert’s siblings: Lyman Ripley, Dolly Carstensen, Darwin (and Pat) Ripley, Sarah Cooper, Dianne (and Tony) Stone and Mavis’ sisters-in-law, Marilyn and Jean Powell as well as many nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by their parents, daughter, Kim Thompson; daughter-in-law, Lori Ripley; Robert’s brothers: Lyle, Charles, Keith, Vernon and Gerald Ripley and sister, Ninabelle Moore as well as Mavis’ brothers: Arthur, Robert and Don Powell and sister, Lorraine Erickson.

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