June 19, 2025
Sauk Valley
Wedding Expo NewsletterHome & Garden NewsletterThank You | Sauk ValleyMorning Update | Sauk ValleyA&E | Sauk ValleyArchive | Sauk ValleyCommunityCoronavirus | Sauk ValleyElection | Sauk ValleyMarketing | Sauk ValleyNews - Sauk ValleyOnline NewspaperSauk Valley OpinionPhoto Galleries | Sauk ValleyPremium | Sauk ValleySauk Valley Prep SportsSponsored | Sauk Valley NewsSports - Sauk Valley
Sauk Valley

Donald Ripley Sr.

ROCK FALLS – Donald Eugene Ripley Sr., 89, of 505 Heinze Drive, Rock Falls, died Friday, May 1, 2009, at CGH Medical Center, after a brief illness.

Mr. Ripley was born Feb. 23, 1920. in Milledgeville, the son of Willis Ripley and Grace Short.

He married Mary Agnes Vittori on April 15, 1940, in Clinton, Iowa. She preceded him in death on Feb. 25, 2001. Mr. Ripley was an avid gardener, enjoyed working with his hands, and was a family man.

Survivors include his children, David B. (Roberta) Ripley of Winfield, Marvin G. (Donna) Ripley of Sterling, and Marlene (Larry) Mitchell, Dennis M. Ripley and Melvin P. Ripley, all of Rock Falls; one brother, Max (Virginia) Morley of Rockford; two sisters, Bernice Harting of Texas and Bethel McBride of Sterling; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He also was preceded in death by two sons, Eugene P. Ripley and Donald E. Ripley II; five sisters; two brothers; and three grandchildren.

Master Sgt. Ripley served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Illinois National Guard in Rock Falls. During his service as a paratrooper, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Clasps, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Metal with a Bronze Star, American Defense Service Metal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Reserve Components Achievement Medal Army, and Philippine Liberation Medal Ribbon World War II with a Bronze Star. He also was awarded the Tribune Award by General Lyman Lous Lemnitzer, U.S. Army Retiree, former chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, May 4, at the Parish Center of St. Mary Church, Sterling, with the Rev. Jesus Dominguez, celebrant, officiating. Burial with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, 505 First Ave., Sterling.

Condolences may be sent at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com on the Internet.