Rev. Donald Ripple

MILTON - The Rev. Donald L. Ripple, 78, of Milton, died Thursday, June 10, 2004, at Kramm's Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born June 20, 1925, in Portage Township, Potter County, a son of the late Morton H. and Edith (Bott) Ripple. He and the former Beatrice I. Rissmiller celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last July 4.

He was a graduate of Austin High School, Lycoming College, Williamsport, and Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, D.C.

Mr. Ripple served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater.

The Rev. Ripple was pastor of visitation at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Milton, since 1995. He is a retired minister of the gospel of the United Methodist Church, having served 41 years as an itinerant pastor.

In 1948, the Rev. Ripple entered the ministry and served in Waterville until 1950; Marysville until 1954; Glen Campbell-Mahaffey until 1958; Milesburg parish until 1964; Williamsburg until 1967; Catawissa Avenue, Sunbury, until 1977; Emmanuel Church, Royalton, near Three Mile Island, until 1982; and Bethany Church, Milton, until 1990.

In the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, the Rev. Ripple has served on the boards of evangelism, church and society, health and welfare, the town and country commission, prison ministry task force and committee on prison ministry.

He is chairman of the chaplaincy committee of Raymond V. Winter State Park and Pine Valley Campground and is the editor of "News and Notes," the newsletter of the Retired Ministers Fellowship.

Since retiring, in addition to serving as pastor of visitation at St. Andrew's, the Rev. Ripple has served as executive director emeritus of the Yokefellowship Prison Ministry of Pennsylvania from 1990 to 1994 and currently served on the board of directors. He was secretary from 1970 to 1990. He also served as an interim pastor from 1994 to 1995.

In addition to his regular pastoral work, the Rev. Ripple has served as evangelist for 81 missions. He was an associate member of the National Association of the United Methodist Evangelists, and has attended seven congresses - Philadelphia, 1976; Miami, 1978; Tulsa, 1980; Kissimmee, 1984; Nashville, 1986 and 1996; and Myrtle Beach, 1994.

He is a member of the board of directors of the Pennsylvanians Concerned about Alcohol Problems. On Oct. 23, 1989, he was honored as PCAP Person of the Year.

In the spring of 1975, the Rev. Ripple went on a tour of the Bible lands, traveling in Greece, Egypt, Lebanon and Israel. He gave illustrated talks about them using the slides he took on his tour.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, walking and bowling.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are one son, David D. Ripple; three daughters, Evelyn M. Persing, Hannah R. Holda and Edith M. Ripple-Whary, all of the Sunbury area; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two brothers, Theodore and Avery, both of Costello, Potter County; and one sister, Eileen Foster of Costello.

Visitors may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, 102 Lower Market St., Milton. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church by the Rev. Elwood Leigey and the Rev. Michael Druck.

Burial with military honors will be in Milton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Central Susquehanna Unit of the American Cancer Society, 1948 E. Third St., Williamsport, Pa 17701.

Arrangements were by the Dale E. Ranck Funeral Service Inc., 125 N. Front St., Milton.