Carolyn Sue Ripley

Carolyn Sue Ripley, a beloved matriarch and cherished educator, peacefully drew her last breath on April 15th, 2024, at Arbor Rose of Robinson, IL. Born in the comfort of her family home in Robinson on January 15th, 1936, Carolyn's life was a tapestry of intelligence, wisdom, and adventure, weaving through the many hearts and minds she touched along her vibrant journey. Carolyn's zest for knowledge blossomed early as she dedicated the summer days of her youth to living with her Aunt Fannie and Uncle Virgil Griffith near Greenup, IL, absorbing life on their farm while her mother pursued an education degree. The work ethic developed here would soon serve her well at Gordon's Drug Store, where she worked as a soda jerk throughout her high school years. Her scholastic determination saw her graduate from Robinson High School in 1954 and Eastern Illinois University in 1958, followed by a Master's from Indiana State University in 1968, earning both degrees in education.

Teaching was not just a job for Carolyn; it was a calling. Her career as an elementary school and mathematics teacher spanned an impressive 35 years. Though she briefly taught in Arlington Heights and Alton, IL, most of her professional tenure found her molding young minds in Robinson. For ten of those years, she also co-owned and operated the Humpty Dumpty drive-in restaurant with her then-husband, Gary Ripley. As most of their employees were students, she insisted that they maintained at least a B-average to continue working there, a testament to her belief in the power of public education. After retiring in 1993, Carolyn continued to empower and inspire others as a voluntary math tutor at the Robinson Correctional Center, securing "Volunteer of the Year" for her heartfelt contributions. Her involvement in Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, P.E.O. Sisterhood, and the Crawford County Retired Teachers Association also reflected her commitment to education, as did two decades' worth of summers spent at the Chautauqua Institution in New York.

An active member of the Democratic Women, she was a proud Democrat who engaged wholeheartedly in the political process. She was also a longtime and beloved member of the First Presbyterian Church in Palestine, IL. Here, Carolyn melded her love for music with her faith, contributing her musical talents to the church choir as an alto. It could be said that her life resonated with melody; had her path swayed slightly, she might have found her calling as a music teacher! Her nimble fingers graced both piano keys and, in her youth, the saxophone. From classical music to jazz to the crooning of Frank Sinatra, her taste in music was as eclectic as the innumerable destinations she took in over the course of her life. Her soul reveled in the discovery of each state's unique beauty, culminating in an awe-inspiring Delta Kappa Gamma trip to Alaska, marking her 50th state visited. The stamps in her passport were numerous, each a cherished memory from distances as far as Australia and New Zealand to the rolling hills of her beloved Ireland.

Today, as we reflect on the remarkable life of Carolyn Sue Ripley, let us not think of an end but rather the start of a grand legacy. Though she has bid her final farewell, this legacy will continue to teach us all that life is an infinite classroom, where every experience is an opportunity to grow and every encounter a lesson in humanity. She has empowered generations to journey ahead in life, not just to navigate the world but to explore the vast terrain of possibility within the human spirit. Thank you, Carolyn, and well done.

She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Kay & Tony Fossett; by her step-daughter, Teresa York; by her grandchildren, Katie & Michael Turman, and Sarah & Brad Hargrove; by her great-grandchildren, Chelsey, Justice, Mikayla, Hayden, and Hadlee; one great-great-granddaughter, Ayla; by her close cousin, RoseEllen & husband Tom Osborne; and by her caregiver, Mitzi Hanson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex & Ruby (Adkisson) Bline, as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 18th, at the funeral home, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share what made this dear woman so special. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Bellair Cemetery.

In addition to the website, condolences may also be mailed to Kay at P.O. Box 530998 Livonia, MI 48153. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Alzheimer's Association" or to the "NOW Program", with envelopes available at the funeral home.