Bruce Ripley, age 70, of Uhrichsville, died peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2024, in Uhrichsville’s Claymont Health & Rehabilitation Center.
Born April 29, 1954, in Montgomery, Maryland, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Rosemary (Persons) Ripley. Bruce was a “Marine brat,” his family moved often, relative to where his father was stationed. He attended public and private schools, graduated, and joined the United States Army. Bruce made a career of the service, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in 2009. He served in Vietnam, the First Gulf War, and during peacetime. The Army made it possible for Bruce to earn a degree in accounting, and he was employed by the Burlington Northern Railroad. He married the former Brenda Batton in 1982; the couple had three children and were married 41 years before Brenda died in 2023.
Bruce loved his family, particularly his grandchildren; going trick-or-treating with them was an especially fun activity – sadly missed this year. He made wonderful pecan pies – better than any store-bought – and an excellent chicken curry. Bruce is also remembered by his family as a thoughtful gift-giver. Additionally, he enjoyed going bowling and following Ohio State football.
Bruce is survived by his children, Aaron Ripley of New Philadelphia, Jaime (John) Pearce of Memphis, Indiana, and Leslie (Nolan) Nieuwsma of Salem, Indiana; his grandchildren, Sophia, Elias, Olivia and Lillie; his siblings, Lori (Rick) Meaton, Brent Ripley, Teddy (Wendy) Ripley and Jenny Ripley; and his nieces and nephews.
Honoring Bruce’s wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 23, at 1:30 p.m., in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover. His cremated remains will be placed later in Arlington National Cemetery.
His family suggests that contributions in Bruce’s memory be made to Claymont Health & Rehabilitation Center, 5166 Spanson Dr. S.E., Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, in recognition of the special care he received there.
Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory
803 North Wooster Avenue
Dover, Ohio 44622
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com
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