Helen May Ripley

Helen May Ripley, passed away peacefully at home April 19, 2026. Helen was born July 6, 1929, in Lansing Michigan. She married Max Keith Ripley in December of 1951. Max and Helen were married 45 years before he passed away September 23, 1997.

Helen was a tough cookie, she took her hardships head on, beating cancer twice, losing her husband and several children, and still made it to 96 years old. Helen was a mother to ten children, 18 grandchildren, great, and great-great grandchildren. In Helen’s 96 years she worked very hard, continuing to work at the dry cleaners even into her 80’s. She loved to play cards, winning many euchre tournaments in her day. Sharing that fondness, she taught her grandkids to love the game as much as she did. She was also full of shenanigans and loved to pick to get a laugh. She loved those closest to her with her sense of humor and sass. She was playful and funny and loved to spend time with her great-grandkids. She will be dearly missed.

Helen was preceded in death by her mother, Hattie Mae Awrey; husband, Max; daughter, Tracey Salazar; sons, Bobbie Ripley and Carey Ripley.

To remember her with love and memories are her daughters, Belinda Sue Dildy (Terry), Dawn Baker (Bill); sons, Randy Ripley (Deb), Dennis Ripley, Wesley Ripley, and Julie Ripley (David); several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Helen will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 12 P.M. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home with visitation being held one hour prior to the service. A graveside service will take place at 3 P.M. on Monday at Strong Cemetery in Sheridan Township, Mecosta County, Michigan.

Those desiring may make contributions in Helen’s memory to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Road, Charlotte, MI 48813.