Shirley Marie Rippe, 64, of Brookings, passed away Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, at Brookings Health System.
Funeral Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, at First Lutheran Church, Brookings. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Services at First Lutheran Church. A private family burial will follow. Rude’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Shirley Marie Mathis was born on April 6 1954 to Marvin and Frances (Schelske) Mathis in Mitchell. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1972, Shirley worked in Mitchell and in Pierre before moving to Brookings.
She worked at 3M for 15 years from 1976 to 1991. On Valentine’s Day in 1981 she married Robert A. Rippe in Brookings. Shirley was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1991, and focused on raising her two sons Dylan and Devin – family was always her first priority.
The family moved to an acreage outside of town in 1995. Shirley loved animals dearly and took care of all kinds – from guinea pigs to chickens to horses.
She adopted animals that needed new homes like her dog Rody and cat Taya, and loved riding her horse Babe. She appreciated being able to be outside at the acreage and the quiet country life.
Her favorite color was red, and she always had a joke ready to tell. Her humor remained even through the difficult times, and she was always supportive and encouraging of her kids in their endeavors while offering her guidance.
A great bargain hunter, she always found the best deals. Her faith in God endured, and she drew her strength from the word of the Lord.
Shirley is survived by her two sons, Dylan and Devin; her sisters, Sherry (Dwight) Gerlach of Corsica, and Priscilla (Dave) Emmert of Mitchell; her brother, Gary of Arlington and her sister-in-law JoAnn Mathis of White; also several nieces and nephews who she adored and one aunt, Elaine Mathis of Watertown.
Shirley’s family and friends are deeply saddened and will greatly miss her caring personality, kind heart, friendship and sense of humor.
Preceding her in death were her parents, sister, maternal and paternal grandparents, brother-in-law, and several aunts and uncles.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.
