In the late afternoon of August 1, 2026, the call went forth for one of God's children to come home, and on angel's wings our dear loved one was transported to a land of perfect peace and eternal joy. It was time for her to go home, where all suffering and pain cease - to be in the presence of the Lord forevermore.

Ruth Ann Rich Rippy, daughter of the late Aubrey and Alene Crowder Rich, was born on December 15, 1942 and departed this life on August 1, 2026, being 83 years, 7 months, and 17 days old. On April 25, 1963, she was united in marriage to Edsel Dewain Rippy and to this union were born four daughters: Tina, Tana, Terri and Tammy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Aubrey and Alene Rich; her husband, Dewain; her two brothers, Creo Rich and Bennie Rich, and four sisters: Geraldine Kepley, Doris Bewley, Jo Rippy, and Judy Rager.She is survived by her daughters: Tina Emery and husband Larry of Adolphus, KY, Tana Pennington of Scottsville, KY, Terri Clark of Scottsville, KY, and Tammy Harper and husband Barry of Lafayette, TN; her brother, Donny Rich and wife Cathy of Rockfield, KY. She is also survived by a brother-in-law Michael Rippy and two sisters-in-law: Judy Rippy and Glenda Rippy; as well as several step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren.

Ruth professed faith in Christ as a young girl at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Holland, KY where her school class would walk to attend the day services of the revival meeting. She often said that people needed to realize that they needed the Lord in their lives, and she would urge others to accept Christ as their Savior.

After Tina was born, Ruth never worked outside the home. She was happy to be a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. Being a caretaker came natural to her. She took care of her girls but also was a babysitter for other children through the years. When Dewain became sick with cancer, she took care of him until he passed. Once she was the only one residing in her home, she took care of the animals she had - from cats, to a miniature horse, and even the wild birds. As her health failed, and she was no long able to go outside to feed the birds, every day she would have one of the girls to throw food outside for the birds.

During her last days, she, herself, scarcely ate enough to keep a bird alive, but today she is enjoying the banquet table of the King. She has answered the call of the old song, "Come home; Come home. It's supper time. The shadows lengthen fast. Come home; come home. It's supper time." Ruth has made it home at last.

Graveside service for Mrs. Rippy will be conducted on Thursday, August 6, 2026 at 2PM from Fairfield Cemetery with Bro. Larry Emery officiating. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 10AM till 1:30PM on Thursday, August 6th.  Serving as active pallbearers will be Johnny Bewley, Larry Emery, Barry Harper, Alex Rich, Craig Stinson and Deacon Stinson.

The family has entrusted Woodard Funeral Home with the care of their loved one. "Serving you as we would like to be served."