Thelma L. Ripperda

Thelma Louise (Harris) Ripperda, age 82, of Sorento, IL., died Tuesday, November 28, 2006, at Highland Health Care Center in Highland, IL. She was born February 26, 1924, in Harrisburg, IL., the daughter of Lydle and Lucy (Cox) Harris. On June 30, 1973, she married Arthur J. Ripperda, Sr. who survives. Born in Southern Illinois; grew up in Harrisburg, Illinois, area. Following marriage she lived in Eldorado, IL, moved to St. Louis, MO, then to O\'Fallon, IL; in the early 1950\'s, lived at State Park Place, IL. After marriage to Arthur she moved to Highland, IL, in 1973; to Sorento in 1983. She sang on the radio with her sisters and cousins at Southern Illinois and played the piano. Played in a country western band \"Rythym Rambling\" in the 1960\'s and 70\'s. She enjoyed Bingo (avid player) spending time w/ her family, helping to raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren; cooking when she was younger. Survivors include 2nd Husband-Arthur J. Ripperda, Sr. of Sorento, Ill., Son-Larry W. Jenkins of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Son-Michael R. Bowers, Sr. (special friend Patty Schollmeyer) of Alton, Ill., Daughter-Judy L. (fiancee Michael Robien) Cook of Alton, Ill., Step Son-Arthur J. Ripperda, Jr. of Denver, Colo., Step Son-Allan Ripperda of Breese, Ill., Step Daughter-Shiela \"Cookie\" Ripperda of Beckemeyer, Ill., Step Daughter-Cynthia Ripperda of Florida, Step Son-James (Mary) Bowers of Mc Leansboro, Ill., Step Son-Danny Ray (Jan) Bowers of Blackwell, Mo., Grandchild-Gina L. (Mike) Willows of Staunton, Ill., Grandchild-Tamara L. (Dan) Stetler of Fremont, Ind., Grandchild-Angela L. Hess (fiancee Kevin O\'Dell) of Sorento, Ill., Grandchild-Bret (Lee Ann) Jenkins of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Grandchild-Aaron L. (Stephanie) Prigmore of Greenville, Ill., Grandchild-Carissa L. Prigmore (special friend Jeff) of Alton, Ill., Grandchild-Christina M. Bowers (special friend Jeremy Lon) of Coming, Wash., Grandchild-Michael R. Bowers, Jr. (fiancee Jeri) of Puyallup, Wash., Grandchild-Travis K. Bowers (fiancee Kelsi Busby) of Sorento, Ill., Grandchild-Amber E. (Anthony) Lair of Bethalto, Ill., Grandchild-Shawna M. Barnes of Greenville, Ill., Grandchild-Brittany N. Cook (fiancee Robbie Kudelka) of Bethalto, Ill., Grandchild-Matthew T. Cook of Alton, Ill., Grandchild-Shannon B. Bowers of Butler, Ill., Grandchildren-13, Step Grandchildren-Numerous, Step Gr Grandchildren-Numerous She was preceded in death by Father-Lydle Harris, Mother-Lucy Mae (nee Cox) Harris, 1st Husband-Ignatius R. Bowers (married 1951; died 1972), Son-Stillborn, Step Daughter-Debbie Murphy (died 1989), Step Daughter-Anita Marie Chapman (died 2002), Brother-Lawrence Harris, Brother-Leonard Harris, Brother-Lemuel Harris, Brother-Lynis Harris, Brothers-Two Stillborn, Sister-Marie Burkett, Sister-Evelyn Florence Brown Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, Ill.

Thelma L. Ripperda

February 26, 1924 - November 28, 2006