Joan Simpson Ripley

Joan Simpson Ripley, 84, of Manheim, PA passed away on May 31, 2013. She was the wife of Julius H. Ripley for 64 years. Born and raised in Yorkshire, Hull, England, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Elizabeth Simpson.

Joan’s family includes her husband Julius, two daughters, Patty, wife of Stan Urbaniak of Manheim, PA, and Margaret Patricia, wife of John Dovonvan of Dunwoody, GA; four grandchildren, Bret Donovan, husband of Sherry, Scot Donovan, husband of Leigh, Kris Donovan, husband of Mandi, and Brieanna Elizabeth Urbaniak; great-grandsons, Callen and Jakob Donovan, and her expected twin great-granddaughters. Her sisters Norah Ripley and Betty Elliot preceded Joan in death. The Simpson girls are now all together and are sure to be having a “bloody good time”.

Joan met Julius during WWII. Her sister Norah was married to Julius’s brother, Richard. After several years of courting via letters and many Trans-Atlantic flights, Joan came to America in 1952 to marry Julius. They raised their two daughters in Grand Rapids, MI, and then moved on through life’s travels to Saginaw, MI, Stone Mountain, GA, Navarre, FL and finally to Manheim, PA.

Joan was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved her four legged family members, or her “little buggers.” She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and she enjoyed playing “the slots.”

Friends will be received on Friday, June 14th at 1pm for a Memorial Service at Reyers North Valley Chapel, 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids. Immediately following the service there will be a “High Tea” in Joan’s honor at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Fairplains Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MI.