Obituary of Lucille Elizabeth Ripka

Lucille Elizabeth Ripka, 88, of State College, died Thursday, February 15, 2018, at Green Hills Village, State College.

Born June 21, 1929, in State College, she was the daughter of the late Jacob Ray and Stella McCoy Hoy. On Nov. 15, 1947 in State College, Lucille married Merrill Dean Ripka, who preceded her in death on February 7, 2016.

Lucille is survived by four children, Diane Craig and her husband, Everett, of Milesburg, Stephen Ripka of Spring Mills, Dennis Ripka and his wife, Jeanne, of Julian, and Barbara Ream and her husband, David, of Bellefonte; five grandchildren, Lisa Brown, Beth Ann Wallace, Tobi Ripka, Chad Ripka, and Jessica Ream; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Merrill, Lucille was preceded in death by her sister, Regina Hoy, and daughter-in-law, Beatrice Ripka.

Lucille graduated from State College Area High School, class of 1947. She worked at the Penn State University Engineering Library until her retirement in 1990.

She was a life-long member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church and was a member of Catholic Daughters in State College. Lucille was a committee member of the Class of 1947 for many years and enjoyed planning their class reunions. She looked forward to her monthly luncheons with her Class of 1947 gals.

Lucille also enjoyed and looked forward to her visits from her neighbors while she was living in the Penn Hills community; our family would like to thank you all for the love and kindness you gave to our mother.

A memorial mass will be 10:30 am, Friday, February 23, 2018 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, with Rev. Antony Sudherson officiating.

Friends will be received in the Our Lady of Victory Activity Center following the burial at Centre County Memorial Park, State College.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, 800 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801, in memory Lucille Elizabeth Ripka.

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.