Janet Roseland Rippy

Janet Roseland (Blackburn) Rippy, 92, passed away in the comfort of her home on Thursday, August 25, 2022, surrounded by her two daughters Luvina, and Reene’ along with her wonderful caregiver Martha Burnett-Melcho. She was born on September 17, 1929, to the late George Kanda and Edith Faustine (McCartney) Blackburn. Moving with her family to Drexel Gardens at the young age of 12, she remained there for 81 years. A devoted member of the Drexel Gardens Christian Church, she received baptism on April 29, 1979, as well as serving as a talented choir member and song leader, assisting as a kitchen aide during Vacation Bible School. She married the love of her life and soulmate, James Earl Rippy in a simple yet elegant ceremony in her parent’s home on August 31, 1946, where their wedding cake was made from angel food, with icing. A devoted wife and mother of four, Janet chose to stay at home to raise her beloved children. As the kids grew, and Luvina entered fifth grade, she took on employment outside the home, working in the cafeteria for a short time at the Maple Grove School cafeteria, giving her young daughter extra cookies regularly. She later worked in the cafeteria for Drexel Gardens School on the corner of Lynhurst and Raymond, while Renee’ attended first grade, before securing a job with Lane Bryant Warehouse. Strong and disciplined, Janet kept her crew in line through the years. Her favorite snack was graham crackers with milk, and cupcakes. She adored everything purple, and her favorite CD was Alan Jackson Precious Memories. Her mornings were spent alongside her aide Martha, sipping coffee on the porch while listening to the quiet sounds of nature. She will be forever missed by all who had the pleasure to know her. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Earl Rippy; children, James Earl Rippy, Jr., and Bonnie Marlene (Rippy) West; and siblings, George Kanda Blackburn, Arvine Earl Blackburn, and Betty Jewell (Blackburn) Follis; and longtime friend, Mary Wells. Janet leaves behind her two daughters, Luvina Lynn (Rippy) Catellier, and Renee’ Darlene Hamilton-Rippy; sister, Marilyn Joan (Blackburn) Best; daughter in law Sharon K. St Hilaire; grandchildren, Laura Ann (Rippy) Barker, Joshua Aaron Rippy, Marcie Ann (Underwood) Malan, Jennifer Renee (Underwood) Sines, Angela Kay (Catellier) Key, Crystal Lorraine (Catellier) Schaeffer, and Christopher Michael Marlor; step grandsons, and Gregory Allen Wright and Thomas Lee Wright; great grandchildren, Hannah (Barker) Klosterman, Haylee Barker, Ashlee Evelyn Rippy, Tyler James Rippy, Eric Christopher McCombs, Keara Ann Malan, Jace Alan Malan, Draven Alexander Sines, Brenen Andrew Sines, Emily Grace Key, Zachary Brian Schaeffer, Zoey Lynn Schaeffer, Alexander Matthew Marlor, Aaron Daniel Marlor, and Adam Franklin Marlor; step great grandchild, Natalie Elizabeth Wright; great great grandchildren, Blair Nicole Klosterman, Quinn Leona Klosterman, along with her longtime friends, Betty Jones and Rosemary (Hamilton) Keller. The Rippy family wishes to send a special thank you to the host of people and organizations that made her life comfortable and loving in her last days on earth, including the best caregivers ever, Martha Burnett-Melcho, Debbie Sander Wetzel, Kayleigh Burns, and her Hospice Nurse, Erika McKinney; Doctor and Nurse at Community Healthcare, Cindy Brown and Shari Cook Benge; as well as the Care Companies, Attentive Home Health, Visiting Angels, Traditions Hospice, CICOA, and Grace at Home. Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel in Monrovia. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at 12:45pm in Drexel Gardens Christian Church, 2200 Beulah Ave., Indianapolis, Pastor Gary Lynch will officiate, and inurnment will immediately follow in West Newton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Drexel Gardens Christian Church, 2200 Beulah Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241, or Peace Restored, 480 Saint Clair St, Mooresville, IN, 46158 in Janet’s memory. To share a favorite story, send an online condolence to the family, or light a candle in her memory, please search Facebook for Light Memorial & Funeral Chapel @MonroviaFuneralHome or visit her tribute page at www.lightmemorial.com.

Tributes

Janet Roseland Rippy

September 17, 1929 - August 25, 2022