Karen Lee Rippe

1945 - 2017

Karen Lee Rippe obituary, 1945-2017, Portland, OR

BORN

1945

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland

4101 NW Skyline Blvd.

Portland, Oregon

Karen Rippe Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 21, 2017.

Karen Lee Olson-Rippe was born in 1945 in Aberdeen, Washington to Kennore and Vivian Olson. Her father was in the Airforce, so travel was in her future. She experienced many different cultures and saw the world up close. With all the changes in her life, as a survival technique, she learned to make friends easily. That stood her in good stead throughout her life.

From Washington to Colorado to Portland, then to Tripoli Libya. There, with her young brother Kermy, she saw many different sites and soaked up lots of history; such as Roman ruins and the desert life of the Arab people. In 1951, her dad was sent back to Portland, Oregon where she went to Portsmouth grade school and made many friends.

In 1956, Karen's father was stationed in Leon, France. France became the launching point for extensive site seeing for the family. From the historic points of Paris to the French coast of the English Channel to many other weekend trips in France. The weekend and holiday trips expanded into Germany, Belgium, Austria and Holland. They saw many different landmarks, castles, towns and countryside's.

In 1959, Karen's father was transferred to Richard Gabor Airbase in Belton, Missouri. Her father retired from the Airforce in 1960 and headed back to Portland, Oregon, where he had a job offer to work for Guy Kennedy and Pac Mar in the shipyards of Swan Island. Karen went to Sunset High school for her freshman year, then transferred to Roosevelt High School when the family home was completed in St. John's.

Karen met Ernest (Ernie) Rippe at Roosevelt and married him in June of 1962. By 1964, they had two children, June and Ray. Karen loved the family she was born into as well as the one she married into. Many happy hours were spent going to family functions and getaways with family and family friends.
Karen became very active in St. John Lutheran Church, which she adopted when she married Ernie. She stayed loyal to and active in St. John until the day she died. Many of her close friends and activities were centered around the church. She helped with Sunday School and youth groups. She attended different bible studies and was active in the choir, Altar Guild and other groups. Her faith was strong and she showed it by helping wherever she was able.
After 24 years, Karen went back to school to study business and began working in offices. Between temporary work and full-time jobs, she was exposed to many different companies and people. As with her childhood and youth, she made friends wherever she worked.

In April of 1998, Karen witnessed the birth of her only grandchild, Nathan. She was the first to hold him and was devoted to him from that day on. They had many happy hours together over the next 19 years.

Karen loved arts and crafts. Until her mother died, she spent much of her time with Vivian learning many different types of arts and crafts. She developed friendships based around these arts and crafts as well. She put together one room in her house totally devoted to this pursuit. One of her last craft loves was making cards. During her peak, she made and distributed approximately 250 handmade Christmas cards. She tracked birthdays for everyone she knew on a calendar and sent them cards. Many people received cards for every holiday; Valentine's, St. Patrick's, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween and Thanksgiving. We will all miss those cards.

Karen joined the Lord September 18, 2017, after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Her faith and the prayers of many family and friends kept her strong and positive during that struggle. She smiled even when the treatments were hard on her. And again, made friends throughout the process. Those of us who were touched by her and loved her, will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Karen's life will be held at St John Lutheran Church, 4227 N Lombard St, Portland, OR, 11am, Saturday, October 7.

Please visit the guestbook portion of this site and enter a special memory or message. Thank you.

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Rippe

Sponsored by Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland.

What is your first memory of Karen?

Share a favorite memory you have of Karen.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Karen.

Describe a time when Karen made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Karen?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Karen.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Karen.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Karen.

What is something you learned from Karen?

Not sure what to say?

4 Entries

October 2, 2017

Friend

Marcia Gordon Albrecht

Karen was a wonderful lady. Loved talking about the Lord. I met her while making cards at a Kenton card shop. We would meet there at least once or twice a month, and when the shop closed I was honored to have her at my home and I would go to hers once a month and spend the day chatting and working on cards. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her family during this difficult time.

October 1, 2017

Linda Fraser

Mike and I are sad to hear about Karen's passing and our thoughts and love go out to her family. The last time I played Pinochle, I played with Karen. Her spirt and her view of the world through her art and gardens will be missed.

Linda and Mike Fraser

September 28, 2017

We are so sorry to hear of Karen's passing. We have known Karen for over 50 years. She was a wonderful person. Unfortunately, we will be unable to attend the celebration of her life as we will be attending my brother's funeral which is on the same day. Prayers to you all
Dick and Cheryl Glenn

September 27, 2017

I am so sad to learn of Karen's passing, and am glad I was able to spend some time with her one afternoon awhile back. She was a good friend. I and my kids (Joe & Kim) have many fond memories of spending summer days in Heppner with her, Ray, June, and Beaddy.......playing games, etc. The kids had such fun playing in the creek, riding motorcycles, fishing, etc. those were the days!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Fondly, Sally Kennedy

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Karen Rippe's name

Memorial Events
for Karen Rippe

Oct

7

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

St John Lutheran Church

4227 N Lombard St, Portland, OR

Funeral services provided by:

Skyline Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home - Portland

4101 NW Skyline Blvd., Portland, OR 97229

How to support Karen's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Karen Rippe's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more