Marjorie M Ripka
08/29/1918 - 01/21/2009
Obituary
Marjorie M. Ripka, 90, of Kewanee, Il. passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at 9:25 A.M. She was born August 29, 1918 in Kewanee, Il. the daughter of Lucian and Ida Kildow. She graduated from Kewanee High School. She married Guy “Walter” Ripka on August 16, 1939 in Kewanee.
Surviving are three sons Guy Alan (Trudy) Ripka of Germantown Hills, Il., Richard (Ruth) Ripka of Galesburg, Il., and James (Beverly) Ripka of Macks Creek, Mo., one daughter Nancy Johnston of Kewanee, fourteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren , one sister in law Erma Souder and her beloved cat, Arielle.
Mrs. Ripka attended Black Hawk College in Moline. She farmed with her husband in Kewanee and Galva. She was a secretary and activist for National Farmer’s Organization and worked for the Henry County Health Department. During WWII, she made 40 MM shell casings at the Walworth Co.
Marjorie was an avid bowler for many years. She was active in the Galva Women’s club serving as president for one term. She was also a past president of the Galva Garden Club. She was a Girl Scout leader for many years and served as an election judge for many years.
Marjorie was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Kewanee where she was active in the “Keenagers” Club. She was a lifelong Cubs fan and loved to read, often reading up to three books a week.
Marjorie’s desire was to donate her body to science at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
A memorial service will be at 3:00 P.M. Friday, January 23, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church in Kewanee. Rev. K. Bruce Rushing will officiate. Private family inurnment will be at a later date in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens, rural Kewanee. The family will receive friends from 2:30 P.M. until the time of services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Kewanee.
