David L. Ripple

David “Dave or Rip” L. Ripple, 69, lost his battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on March 21, 2022, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He was born on May 26, 1952, to Sheldon and Ardis Ripple in Liberal, Kan.

They lived a short time in Bluffton, Ind., and then moved back to Kansas, where Dave settled down in Paola. He married Christine Hoyer on Aug. 11, 1977.

Dave wore many hats throughout his career and ended it in management at Siemens. He was also a member of the U.S. National Guard.

Dave loved the outdoors but loved his family and animals the most. Upon retirement, he fully enjoyed his hobbies with his children and grandchildren. In 2014, he and Christine moved to Montana to help care for her parents. Dave appreciated the bountiful wildlife and mountain scenery in Libby when they relocated.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, Sheldon; sister, Margaret “Peggy”; and granddaughter, Fanci.

Survivors include his wife, Christine; daughter, Cherlyn Jevre (Jon) of Kansas; son, John (Cherie) of North Dakota; son, Trace (Tasha) of Oklahoma; daughter, Mary Woods (Mark); mother, Ardis; sister, Patricia Mathews (Keith); and brother, Lawrence (Dori), all of Missouri; 12 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.