John Anderson Rippee

John Anderson Rippee, age 86, of Ava, Missouri, passed away on November 4, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield. John was born to Maney Rippee and Sally Tate on September 3, 1939, in Ava. He was raised in Ava and graduated from Ava High School in 1958. John was united in marriage to Norma (Gaylene) Vinson on December 30, 1985, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. John and Gaylene shared 39 years of marriage before John's untimely passing on November 4, 2025. John proudly served in the United States Army for two years and Missouri National Guard for 18 years.
John was employed at the Rawlings Manufacturing Company for all but one of his working years, the other year at Puraton in Kansas City. When not working, he had many interests and pastimes including fishing, bowling, walking, working in his shop, traveling, and going to Ava Bears sporting events. Nothing, however, brought him more fulfillment than spending time with his family. Despite being badly burned in February of 2016, John was still able to travel with Gaylene before being moved to a nursing home in 2020, for the remainder of his life.
John was preceded in death by Maney Rippee (father), Sally Rippee (mother), Mary Rippee (sister), Lucy Broadstock (sister), Bill Broadstock (brother-in-law), Marjorie Broadstock (sister-in-law), Steve Broadstock (nephew), Robert Phelps (brother-in-law), and Tom Phelps (nephew). He is survived by Gaylene Rippee (wife), Myrtle Phelps (sister), Brian Phelps (nephew), Lisa Phelps (niece), Jessica Broadstock (niece), three great nieces, three great nephews, and his special "grandchildren": Tanner and Denali Lewis, JJ Heath, Noah Heath, Grace Stewart, Emma Stewart, Parker Gilmore, and Ellie Gilmore.
A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Life Church in Ava with burial to follow at Ava Cemetery located in Ava, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in John's memory to Destination Church of Ava.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri.