Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr.


Kevin Lynn Ripley Sr., an avid outdoorsman, died January 16, 2022. Kevin, 61, of Vermontville was born November 6, 1960, to Richard and Janice (Ruperd) Ripley. With profound love, admiration and gratitude, Kevin’s family highlights what he meant to each of them. He was always tinkering on projects for others. This hard working, generous, soft spoken mentor loved helping others. A great lover of nature, Kevin enjoyed hunting and being outside on the family farm. A lifelong friendship with his father encouraged Kevin to frequently visit his father’s farm. He and his father, Richard, took great pride in Richard’s ponies and draft horses. Kevin was a captivating story teller, his humor and good nature making each narrative interesting. With a great love of family, Kevin was very supportive and loving to his wife, family and close friends. Without anyone ever feeling smothered, he knew intuitively what each one needed. Never lacking for intellect and varied expertise, his skilled diesel mechanic hands helped Kevin to keep the trucks dependably running for the Ryder Truck Rental Company. As a sports enthusiast Kevin spent many hours viewing the sport channels on TV. The time he spent watching sports gave him immense knowledge when it came to coaching his children’s various sports. He could always be counted on for his repertoire of ideas during games. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.
Kevin is survived by his wife of 39 years, Sally; sons, Kevin (Michelle) Ripley Jr., Derek (Kim) Ripley; mother, Janice Ripley; mother-in-law, Barbara Carter; brothers, Kenneth (Renee) Ripley and Kris Ripley; sister, Kaylene Shumaker; 7 grandchildren and 5 four legged children. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Ripley; father-in-law, Stanley Carter; brothers-in-law, Tom Carter and Stanley Russell Carter; and sister-in-law, Heidi Hackett-Ripley; grandparents, Burt and Eva Ruperd, Lemuel and Marietta Ripley.
Friends are encouraged to support Kevin’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 3.00 to 5.00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were January 21, 2022, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Kevin’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the family with personal checks being made out to: Sally Ripley. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.