Robert James Ripley

Robert James Ripley, age 71, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, May 17, 2013. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 50 years Jacqueline Arlene Ripley; children Kevin James Ripley and Julie Ann Stull; grandchildren Amanda Ann Leach, Rebecca Marie Leach and Robert Randal Stull; siblings Richard M. Ripley, Julius (Joan) Ripley, Leona Irene (Carl) Smestad, Joseph (Kathryn) Ripley, and Ronald (Debie) Ripley; and his beloved pets (2 Scotties and 2 cats). He is preceded in death by his sister-in-law Nora Ripley and brother-in-law Leo Guastella. After graduating from Comstock Park High School in 1960 Robert proudly defended his country by serving as a member of the United States Navy. Upon exiting the service he worked for 40 years at Rowe International before retiring. He was known for his avid love of NASCAR and the West Michigan Whitecaps. The family will be greeting friends from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM on Thursday, May 23, 2013 and from 10-11 AM on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Reyers North Valley Chapel ; 2815 Fuller Ave. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505. The service to celebrate Robert’s life will be held at 11 AM on Friday, May 24, 2013 at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Contributions in Robert’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of West Michigan.