Dorothy Marie Ripple's Obituary
Dorothy Marie Ripple (née Unze), was welcomed into the arms of our Lord on December 28th, 2023. She was born on March 23rd, 1927 in Mt. Clemens Mi to Andrew and Harriet Unze. Dorothy was a long-term resident of Lathrup Village prior to moving to Macomb to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren.
She was the first female vice president of her class and a successful graduate of the University of Detroit Law School. During her first year of law school she met the love of her life, the late Albert Ripple, and the two were married in shortly after their graduation. Albert and Dorothy practiced law together in Detroit until she stepped back from her professional life to focus on her family and raise their two children, Andrew and Deborah, who meant the world to them.
She was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman. Utilizing two of her passions, exploring the world and serving others, she traveled with the Workers Compensations of Michigan group to numerous countries and encountered diverse social, economic, and political climates and cultures. One of her most memorable travel experiences was when she was granted an audience with the Pope. As a devout Catholic, that moment in her life was forever etched in her heart.
In her 96 years, she touched the lives of many people. Dorothy lived with her daughter Deborah and son-in-law Michael for many years and was constantly surrounded by their love and that of her granddaughter McKenna and grandson Benjamin as well as her great grandchildren Emilia, Elliot, Aria and Hailey. Being a GiGi was one of the greatest joys of her life and we are thankful that in the last 4 years she was able to be a part of their lives and give them memories with her that they can hold onto.
Dorothy will be remembered for the way she would give her grandchildren’s friends a flower name and play basketball before the bus came, never letting anyone win unless they earned it. She will be remembered for the way that she did her crossword every day and enjoyed her puzzles and her M.A.S.H reruns, taking time to slow down and enjoy the little moments of quiet. She will be remembered for her insatiable sweet tooth and stash of cookies that everyone knew where they were hidden but pretended it was ‘our little secret’. But most importantly, she will always be remembered for unwavering faith, kindness, generosity, and love for her family. Our lives were significantly better having had her in it and she will be incredibly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Albert, and is survived by her children, Andrew (Rosalie) and Deborah (Michael); her grandchildren, Benjamin (Tabitha) and McKenna (Joshua); and her great-grandchildren, Elliot, Emilia, Aria, and Hailey.
We love you a bushel and a peck, Grammie.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for consideration to Fisher House Foundation that builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. A memorial mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 13,2024, 9:30 AM Vigil followed by a 10 AM Mass at St Isidore Catholic Church 18201 23 Mile Rd. Macomb, Michigan 48044. Please visit www.rudyfuneral.com to share a message or to light a candle.
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