Elena Ripley

Elena D. Ripley, 88, of Erhard, died Monday, December 9, 2013, at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

She was born March 30, 1925, in Leyte, Philippines, the oldest of eight children born to Sebastian and Felamina David.

On February 15, 1946 she was united in marriage to Robert Ripley in the Philippines, where Robert was serving in the U.S. Army. They came to the United States in 1947, and they made their home in Maplewood Township.

Elena was a member of the Pelican Rapids Baptist Church where she served on many committees. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, canning, and cooking. Hospitality was her caring language, and her greatest joy was her family.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Robert, in 2002, granddaughter Jenna Ripley, and several brothers and sisters.

Survivors include six sons: Robert Jr. (Lori) of Las Vegas, NV, Lyle (Brenda) of Midway, UT, Wayne of Fergus Falls, Gene of Pelican Rapids, Allen (Barb) of Pelican Rapids, and Steven (Lisa) of Fergus Falls; seven daughters: Linda (Jim) Hoffe of Pelican Rapids, Shirley Hovern of Fargo, ND, Joyce (Allan) Amborn of Morris, MN, Laura (Charles) Nord of Fargo, ND, Norma (Pat) Martin of Pelican Rapids, Elaine (Harold) Nelson of Elbow Lake, MN, and Julie (Tim) Bakken of Battle Lake; 28 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Crossroads Church, 629 E. Channing Ave., Fergus Falls, with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 1 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2013 at Crossroads Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Reverend Louie Suter
Interment: Lake Lida Cemetery, rural Pelican Rapids
Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements