Audrey Lou Ripley

Audrey Lou Ripley

July 4, 1937 – October 4, 2025

Audrey Lou Ripley, 88, of Reedley, California, entered the gates of Heaven and into the loving arms of her Savior on October 4, 2025, following a month's long, bravely fought health battle.

Audrey and her beloved husband, Dale Ripley, made their home at Palm Village Retirement Community in Reedley less than a year ago. Though Dale preceded her in death shortly after their move, Audrey continued to create beauty around her - just days before entering the hospital in May, she filled her flower beds with bright new blooms, making her home as warm and welcoming as she always had.

Born on the Fourth of July in 1937 to Hans and Anna Quist of Caruthers, Audrey lived up to her "firecracker spirit" all her life. She was welcomed by her sisters, Lynette and Patricia, and grew up on the family farm while attending Our Savior's Lutheran Church. A proud graduate of Caruthers High School, Class of 1955, Audrey's energy and bright personality were well known.

After high school, Audrey married Don Sorensen and began life as a wife, mother, and raisin farmer. She welcomed two sons, Mark and Todd, and she poured her heart into motherhood-baking elaborate birthday cakes, hand-sewing Sunday school jackets and Halloween costumes, and serving as an active leader in the Alvina Mothers Club, where her group won multiple first-place ribbons at the Caruthers Fair…something Audrey was always very proud of.

Alongside farming, Audrey helped start Sorensen Ag Chemicals in Caruthers, keeping the office running smoothly while never missing one of her boys' events. Audrey's remarkable organization and preparedness were well known as her car trunk was always stocked with "just in case" essentials like sweatshirts, snacks or a phone book. She faced every task, big or small, with care and commitment. Even during her mother's battle with dementia, Audrey lovingly took her dressed to the hilt to Peoples Church where Audrey faithfully attended for over 40 years.

Audrey was married for a short time to Clyde Woods of Selma. Together they shared some wonderful memories and travels before Clyde unexpectantly passed away after just two years of marriage. Audrey always cherished the Woods family and was grateful to have been part of their lives.

Audrey worked several years for Pacific Boring and Nada Pacific in Caruthers. Her impeccable bookkeeping skills made her a favored employee and lifelong friend to many she worked with.

In 1997, Audrey married Dale Ripley and lovingly embraced his daughter, Andrea, into her life. For 27 years, Audrey and Dale beautifully blended their families, building a life filled with cherished memories on their Fresno ranch. Audrey continued farming her vineyards in Caruthers and was a proud Sun-Maid grower - her license plate even read "LADY FARMER."

Becoming "Grandma Audrey" was one of her greatest joys. She and Dale were blessed with 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each dearly loved. Her family will always remember her special birthday song and her signature sign-off: "I love you like fury."

Audrey had a remarkable gift for hospitality, hosting countless family gatherings and holiday celebrations filled with delicious meals and perfectly themed décor. Known for her elegance and grace, she never left home without a coordinated outfit - and matching lipstick. Her signature perfume, Royal Secret, will forever remind her loved ones of her.

She enjoyed needlepoint, crochet, gardening, and traveling - especially visiting relatives in Denmark and trips to Disneyland where she first visited at its opening in 1955. For her 80th birthday, she surprised her entire family with a cruise to Alaska, creating memories they will treasure forever.

Above all, Audrey's deep faith guided every part of her life. Her strength and grace were rooted in her relationship with Jesus Christ. Most recently, she attended Monmouth Community Church, where she loved worshiping with friends and sharing rides to Sunday services.

Audrey leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and family that will be cherished forever.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark & Kimberly Sorensen and Todd & Holly Sorensen; her stepdaughter and son-in-law, Andrea & Jimmy Wise; 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, her dear cousin Ruth Elaine Andersen, and many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Bonnie Floyd Ministries

P.O. Box 927

Celina, TX 75009

www.bonniefloyd.org/giving

Or Immanuel Schools

1128 S. Reed Ave.

Reedley, CA 93654

www.immanuelschools.com/giving