Obituary of Donald Ripley

Passed from this life on August 2, 2009 at the age of 74 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease and complications from diabetes. Born October 16, 1934 in Lewiston, Idaho to Rose and Kenneth Ripley, he resided in Tacoma since 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents and family friend, Mary Frances (Curry) Rychner. Don is survived by Geri Kanesta-Ripley, his wife of 37 years; parents-in-law, Ida & Percy Kanesta; sisters-in-laws: Terry Kanesta-Brislin (Mike); Bernie Peterson (Rick); Sarah Kanesta; Dori Kanesta-Crouch (Jim); brothers-in-law: Lynn (Vicki Hall-Kanesta); Lindsay (Tina); Michael (Michelle); 16 nieces/nephews and 20 great nieces/nephews. Extended family: Phillip Rychner; Lisa Parham (Perry) children, Jake and Jennifer; Bryan Rychner. Don retired from AT&T with 42 years of service and from the Roy Fire Dept 17 as volunteer after 26 years of dedicated community service. Don was a member of the AT&T Telephone Pioneers of America and 38-year member of the Tacoma Elks. The family extends its heartfelt thank you to the Franciscan Hospice staff and to the incredibly caring and compassionate caregivers at We Care Adult Family Home especially Marilou Bragg and her parents, Melinda and Trinidad Tobaco who lovingly cared for Don the last two years of his life. A memorial Mass will be held at Visitation Catholic Church on Thursday, August 6 at 11 am. A celebration of his life will follow with a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St.Vincent DePaul-Visitation Catholic Church, 3314 South 58th Street, Tacoma, WA 98409.