Christine Rippamonti was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on October 7, 1924. She lived a full life for 99 years and 9 months going through the Depression and World War II. She was the only child born to Juanita Davis and LeeRoy Farquhar. Her family lived modestly helping out others when the need arose with the little they themselves had. An only child Chris remembered her favorite things being climbing trees, skating, looking for 4-leaf clovers, playing jacks, jumping rope and turning cartwheels and summersaults. Percy Wiggins came into her life as loving stepfather when she was 6 years old. After moving around with her mother and stepfather with the oilfield, they settled in Houston, where she learned to jump a double rope. (another sweet memory) You see, she was happy, made the best of where she was and had fun! She graduated from Jeff Davis High School. She worked as a waitress and carhop after graduation. Chris got a job at Hughes Tool as a certified welder, pulling her hair up tightly in a bandana – a “Rosie the Riveter” woman making airplane parts during World War II.
Later her stepfather got a job in Victoria. After moving to Victoria, Chris got a job as a carhop at Rip’s Café! There she met a handsome soldier named Charles Rippamonti and they were married on June 2, 1944, while he was still in the Air Force. In January, 1946, Charles was discharged from the service and they returned to Victoria to run Rip’s Café until retirement in 1978. Chris did all the baking of pastries at Rip’s and was an excellent cook at home. She never met a stranger and could still tell you what food was eaten by the patrons in the restaurant.
Chris loved life – music of all kinds; singing and dancing; writing poetry and many programs that have been enjoyed by so many; and was an avid reader. She was active at Trinity Lutheran Church teaching Sunday School, writing programs, organizing retreats and the Wednesdays Friends gatherings, always busy making sure there was a project and a quilt ready to be quilted by hand. She served in several offices of the American Legion Auxiliary. One of her favorite gatherings for the last 40+ years was at Mo Ranch in the Texas Hill Country, with a group of ladies who call their group Mo Friends. She was crowned the “Queen Mother” of this group and served her reign well.
Through all of her many activities, she always had time for her family, being so very proud of each one -- especially the 3 grandchildren John, Jessica and Christy, and now 3 great-grandchildren, Paige, Madi and Beckett. In 2003, she began babysitting for a set of triplets who lived next door. These three – Makayla, Makenzie and Mason, kept her “young.”
Chris has glorified God through her devotion to family and sharing her many talents of organizing people, writing poetry, writing programs, crocheting prayer shawls, hand quilting, cooking. The list goes on and on. So many smiles and so many blessings!
She is survived by her son Mike Rippamonti, wife Anna; Grandchildren, John Rippamonti, wife Jessica Lynn; Jessica Rippamonti Mays, husband Cory; Christy Schulte Littleton, husband James; Great grandchildren, Paige Rippamonti, Madilynn Rippamonti, Beckett Littleton. Also, nephew, Russell Rippamonti, partner Alberto Galue; great nephew, Richard Rippamonti, wife Rachel, great niece; Rachel Rippamonti Major, husband Patrick; their children Nolan and Hannah Major.
Preceded in death by her husband, mother, stepfather, father; daughter Roxann Schulte and husband, Gary; and many loved ones – family and friends.
Chris was welcomed into Heaven and the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ on July 29, 2024, in Victoria, Texas.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 6-8 pm at Colonial Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at 2 pm at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Ildiko Rigney officiating.
Pallbearers will be John Rippamonti, Cory Mays, Richard Rippamonti, Dale Lacina, Darren Chapman, and George Ramirez.
Honorary Pallbearers will be James Littleton, Russell Rippamonti, Gene Pool, Jim Joslyn, and Les Weaver.
Memorials may be given to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The family of Chris wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Anna Garcia, her faithful personal hairdresser; Twin Pines North medical team, all the caregivers and staff; Fourth Floor nurses and ER staff at Citizens Medical Center; and Hospice of South Texas.
Words of comfort, condolences and fond memories may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhomevictoria.com.
