Guadalupe Rippetoe

Lupe was born in Woodlake on December 11, 1938 to Joaquin and Mary Rivas. She was the third of eight children and the oldest daughter. Lupe was loving and responsible and strongly took on her “mothering” role, by choice and circumstance, to support her family throughout her whole life. Lupe attended George McCann Memorial Catholic School, graduated from Woodlake High School and attended College of the Sequoias in Visalia, California. She worked for Tulare County in the Department of Social Services, followed by the Tulare County Office of Education as an Administrative Secretary in the Migrant Services Department. She retired in 1999. While attending Woodlake High School, Lupe was introduced by her older brother, Mike, to a handsome red-head, Sonny Rippetoe. The sailor swept her off her feet and they married on July 15, 1961 in Woodlake, California. Sonny was an exceptional dancer and he and Lupe followed the Lloyd Massey band with their siblings and extended family around the county to various Veterans Memorial Buildings to dance. They enjoyed many trips with dear cousins, Ruth and Al Ramos. Some of their favorite destinations included a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise, Napa Valley, Arizona, and Rosarito Beach. They often traveled by car, which afforded them long hours of each other’s company that they enjoyed so much. Lupe and Sonny had no children of their own, but their home was always full; they shared their home, guidance, and love with their many nieces, nephews, and grand and great-grand nieces and nephews. Lupe organized camping trips, ski trips, and other fun adventures for the kids to enjoy. She also made sure their faith in God and Catholic heritage was kept strong; she was the Godmother (Nina) to many. When her mother passed away, Lupe was determined to continue the family traditions of holiday tamale making, and the most delicious Sunday breakfasts after church at her home where all were welcomed. The relaxed Sunday afternoons that she and Sonny hosted were not only filling for the body and soul, but it helped to build and maintain strong bonds between siblings, cousins, and friends.

Lupe is preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Harrell Dean “Sonny” Rippetoe. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Joaquin and Mary Rivas, and siblings-Joseph Rivas, Mike Rivas, Sr., Matt Rivas, Jesse Rivas, and Marianne Doria.

Lupe is survived by sisters, Connie Northcutt, Terry Wilcoxson and Frances Holdbrooks. She is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews as well as grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

Please join us with a Rosary for Lupe on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at 7:00pm at Miller Memorial Chapel 134 North Cypress Street, Woodlake, CA 93286.

On Friday, September 8, 2023 at 9:00am, Father Jesse Venzor will officiate a Memorial Mass at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church 199 North Pepper Street, Woodlake, California. A celebration of her life will follow at 10:00 am at the Woodlake Veterans Memorial Building.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.millermemorialchapel.com for the Rippetoe family.