Carolyn "Pinky" Jean Rippey

Carolyn “Pinky” Jean Rippey, 83 of Phoenix, Arizona passed away surrounded by her family on April 15, 2026. A native of Phoenix, she was born on October 17, 1942, to the late Joseph William and Mary Anna Adamic.

Carolyn is survived by her children Joseph (Melanie) Rippey, Paul (Margot) Rippey and Sohnja (Roger) Gibson, grandchildren Joey, Jenny, Tony, Amy, Jacob, Colton, Bryce, Jase and Jaeli along with 14 great grandchildren. She also leaves to cherish her memory her brother Joe (Sue) Adamic and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband Joseph Rippey Sr., daughter Melissa “Lisa” Garrett, granddaughter Shana, siblings Patricia Nelson, Shirley Norton, and Don Adamic, and the love of her life Foster Deason.

Carolyn was the kind of woman who never let anyone leave hungry. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and love, where there was always an extra plate at the table and room for one more. She fed everyone—not just with food, but with kindness, warmth, and a heart that made people feel at home. Carolyn’s home was a refuge for many, a place of safety and comfort — sometimes for just a night, and for others, a haven that lasted months or even years.

Carolyn took care of everyone around her, always putting others before herself. Whether you knew her as Mom, Auntie, Grandma, Auntie-Grandma, Granny, or simply as a dear friend, she made you feel like family. She shared what she had without hesitation, giving generously of her time, her wisdom, her love and her possessions if she knew you needed it. Carolyn was truly the hands and feet of Jesus.

She was the person people turned to for comfort, advice, and a home-cooked meal. Her strength was quiet but steady, and her love was the kind that stayed with you long after you left her side.

Carolyn leaves behind a legacy of compassion, selflessness, and unconditional love. Her absence will be deeply felt by all who were blessed to know her, and she will be sorely missed every single day.

Though her chair may now sit empty, her spirit will forever live on in the stories shared around the table, in the recipes passed down, and in the love she poured into so many lives.

She was truly everyone’s mom, everyone’s auntie, everyone’s grandma, everyone's friend—and she will never be forgotten.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Carolyn’s life on Friday, May 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Vineyard Church North Phoenix 6250 W. Peoria Avenue in Glendale.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a tree be planted in Carolyn's name with the location you have selected.