Richard David Ripley
Obituary
Richard "Dick" David Ripley passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 5, 2022, at the age of 95.
Dick was born Jan. 14, 1927, in Otisco, N.Y., later moving to Cortland, N.Y. Dick resided much of his life (raising his family) in Gonzales, Calif. Dick designed and managed Mission Dairy in Gonzales from 1962-1990. He was born into the dairy farming industry in New York state and continued this hard-working career when arriving in California in 1951. While managing a state-of-the-art dairy at that time, he also served as Honorary member of Gonzales FFA, President of the Dairy Herd Association, Salinas ELKS member and board member of the Salinas Farm Bureau.
Dick was a friend to all and loved by many. He had an everlasting impression on everyone he met. He will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and sense of humor , he was a devoted family man and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his sons: Richard (Alicia) of Kingman, Ariz., David (Flora) Ripley of Greenfield, Kenny (Sue) of King City; daughter, Bonnie (Larry) Bettencourt of Hanford; and beloved grandchildren: Christina (Garlin) Kaupp of Soledad, Thomas James Jr of Chico, Celestina (Jeffrey) Ripley of King City, Rebecca (Colton) Garcia of Soledad, Bryon (Tracy) Bettencourt of San Bernardino, Larry (Bacilia) Bettencourt of Gonzales, Erik Bettencourt of Salinas, Rick and Bobby Ripley of Bakersfield.
He is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters, Janice Kline of Baldwinsville, N.Y., and Eleanor Dadamio of Cortland, N.Y.; and close family friend Wally Fowler. Dick now joins his wife of 65 years, Margaret; son, Tom; and numerous family and friends whom he has missed terribly.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Young Guns: PO Box 308 Gonzales, CA 93926 or Mission Union Elementary School: 36825 Foothill Rd. Soledad, CA 93960
Visitation will be held Monday, Sept. 12, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at Woodyard Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022 at 10 a.m. at Woodyard Funeral Home, followed by burial at Gonzales Cemetery following a Celebration of life luncheon St. Theodore's Parish Hall in Gonzales
Published in Salinas Valley Tribune · September 10, 2022