Eagle - We are sad to announce the passing of our father, Ronald Rippey, of Eagle at the age of 91.

Ron was born to Roscoe and Autom (Paxton) Rippey on January 30, 1933 in Parma, Idaho at the site of the current Parma Post & Pole. He was the fourth child of five to be born into the family, joining older siblings Ardice & Dencil and the memories of two additional siblings who died in infancy. Ron attended Parma High School, where he played tennis and excelled in academics, graduating in 1950 as the class Salutatorian.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Ron was a hard working man. His early jobs included topping beets, working at the Parma Water Lifter, cowboying for local ranchers, and working with his family providing rental horses at a dude ranch during the summers in McCall. In April 1953, he was "invited" into the US Army where he served in the 434th Engineer Construction Battalion during the Korean War. He received multiple commendations for his work on the 55th Quartermaster fire in Pusan. Ron began his career with the US Forest Service in 1956 and would remain with the Forest Service until his retirement in 1991. Over the years his job titles there ranged from "catskinner", "motor grader operator", "master blaster", and finally as the Supervisor for all roads and bridges in the Boise National Forest. If you've driven a dirt road, crossed a bridge, or stayed in a campground in the Boise National Forest, odds are that Ron had a hand in building it. His children have wonderful memories of time spent with Dad in the forest while camping out at his jobsites. Always a humble man, Ron was horrified to hear his children claim that he single-handedly built the forest, but that's the family legend and we aren't backing down.

Ron met Elaine Munden at the B & B Cafe in Parma where she worked as a cook. Following a very short engagement, the two were married on April 20, 1963, in a union that would last their lifetimes. They were blessed with three children, Mike, Shari, and Tracy.

As grandchildren came along, Ron & Elaine found their true calling. Ron taught each of them to play pattycake as he bounced them on his knee and told the family story of Cubby Bear countless times. Their grandkids have great memories of time spent at Grandma & Grandpa's house, trips to the Oregon Coast, and the annual family pilgrimage to the Pendleton Roundup.

When Elaine's health failed her, Ron tirelessly cared for her for many years. His loving care demonstrated unconditional love and what it should truly mean when you say "for better or worse". With the help of St. Luke's Hospice, he was able to keep Elaine at home until her passing in 2015.

Even at the age of 91, Ron lived independently in the family home on Eagle Island, managing his own affairs, caring for his horses, driving his new tractor, and going through endless weedeaters along the ditchbanks. It should be noted that Dad especially loved a good head of irrigation water. He was a master of creative inventions, often involving duct tape or baling twine. Following a brief illness involving numerous short hospital stays, Ron returned home for the final time under the care of old friends from St. Luke's Hospice. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his daughters and niece, Christina, who had worked together to provide for his care in the final days. True to Dad's nature, his final words were "I love you".

Graveside service will be held Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Parma Cemetery, Parma, Idaho under the direction of Dakan Funeral Chapel. Memorial luncheon to follow. Please see full obituary on the Dakan website.

We will miss you, Dad. Love you most.