Ellen O'Meara

Ellen Frances O’Meara, 81, a resident of Fergus Falls, died November 16, 2008, at the Eisenhower Memorial Hospital in Palm Desert, CA due to a brain aneurysm. She was born March 22, 1927, in Waverly, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Edith Chester. Her parents were well-known farmers in rural Iowa, who were always very involved in church and community affairs. She was baptized as a baby in the Methodist Church, Plainfield, Iowa. Ellen grew up loving country life and the outdoors. She attended high school in Plainfield. Later she married Harold Ripley, who was the father of their four children, Candace, Barry, Barbara and Michael. Ellen was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. She worked hard as a farm wife, and took part in activities of school, church and the community. She was a 4-H leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, President of the Women’s Society of Christian Service, Women’s Club Member, County Chairman of the Tuberculosis Mantoux testing program, and a Sunday school teacher. Ellen loved to ride horses, dance, travel, garden, cook and entertain, and read. Later in life she renewed her interest in art using watercolors as her favorite medium. Ellen was an active member of Art of the Lakes in Battle Lake, Minnesota. Ellen met and married Frank J. O’Meara of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Frank owned and operated a women’s wear store at which the couple enjoyed working together. Prior to their marriage Ellen had owned and operated a store in Waverly, Iowa. The two of them especially loved creating the country home that they had on 80 acres in rural Henning, Minnesota. There they retired, and continued to enjoy a life in tune with nature and the outdoors. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Frank, and her parents, Edith and Elmer Chester. Survivors include her children, Candace Leahy of Coon Rapids, Barry Ripley of Xiamen, China, Barbara (Tom) Morstad of Fergus Falls, and Michael Ripley of Shell Rock, IA; one sister, Carol (Richard) Ridenour of Cedar Rapids, IA; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and three nephews. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Otter Tail County Humane Society, 1933 West Fir Ave., Fergus Falls, MN 56537. This will continue to help the animals that she loved all of her life.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2009 at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls with Reverend Robert Kandels officiating. Interment will be at St. Otto’s Cemetery in Fergus Falls. Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com .