Joan "Jo" Dennis

Joan “Jo” Ripple-Dennis, passed away quietly after a fifteen year off and on again battle with cancer on February 20, 2012 at the age of 79. Joan was born in Paris, Illinois on May 2, 1932 to the late Charles and Esther (Allen) Ripple.

Jo married her husband, John R. “Jack” Dennis on June 27, 1953 in Terre Haute. Together they shared over 46 years of marriage until his death on March 21, 1999.

Jo worked alongside her husband for many years at Dennis Trucking, until her retirement in 1994. Later in life, Jo fulfilled her lifelong dream of being baptized in the Catholic Church, and was baptized at St. Benedict’s Church in Terre Haute at the ripe age of 75. Jo also worked weekly at the soup kitchen for St. Ben’s until her illness would no longer allow her to service. Anyone who knew Jo, also knew she had a fondness for animals, and always had a dog, or two, or three. She was also very active within the ladies auxiliary of several organizations. Jo was a person in her own service, and will live on in the hearts of those she touched for generations to come.

She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Eileen Dennis-David and Dawn’s two children, Maria Eileen David and John “J.R.” David, all of Terre Haute; her son, John “Jackie” Dennis of Terre Haute and his two children, Kellie Sue and husband Jeff Ho and their two sons of Plainfield and Angela Kay Dennis of Terre Haute. Jo also leaves behind her brother-in-law, Jay W. Dennis of Rosedale, several other relatives and many grand-dogs and grand-cats. Jo will also be deeply missed by her wonderful and loving Yorkie, Cindy and her beautiful cat, Charmer.

Services will be private. Burial will take place in Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Jo may be directed to the Honey Creek Animal Hospital or the Terre Haute Humane Society.