Katherine W. Ripley

Katherine W. Ripley, age 91 of Rootstown, passed away Tuesday, March 28, 2023. She was born October 24, 1931 in Edmond, Oklahoma, to the late Ralph and Rosalie Odor.

Katherine’s many talents included art, singing, inventing, and making custom jewelry. She received a music scholarship to Central State College and won several local and state singing contests. Katherine, her husband, and children moved to Lakewood, Ohio then subsequently to Silver Lake.

She worked after a divorce, as a Clerk Specialist in the Registrar’s Office at Kent State University. Katherine married Joseph Ripley on June 4th, 1983. They combined eight children from their respective marriages. Katherine clearly loved all her children and her Rootstown home became the hub for family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. She enjoyed the annual beach vacations in North Carolina that included one month in a lovely rental home where everyone in the family was invited.

Katherine sent birthday cards and gifts to each and every family member, spouse grandchild, and great-grandchild every year; which numbered over fifty! She collected art, antiques furniture, and traveled extensively with Joseph.

Katherine enjoyed many adventures throughout her life, many with the love of her life, her husband, Joseph. She will be remembered as a woman of grace, kindness, and love. We will miss her so much.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, a sister, and a daughter. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Ripley; seven children; twelve grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., THURSDAY, April 6, 2023 at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main Street, Kent, OH 44240. A funeral service will be held immediately following at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Services in care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.

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