Dorothy Jean (Birely) Rippeon

Dorothy Jean Rippeon passed away in the early hours of December 15, 2017 under hospice care at
the Arden Courts memory care facility in Harrisburg, Pa.

Born October 4, 1932 in Waynesboro, Pa., she was the daughter of Otho Maxwell Birely and Lillian
Grace (Davis) Birely. Her mother died in her early years causing her and three of her siblings to be
placed in an orphanage home. She lived with a few families prior to being adopted by Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Knouse when she was in her teens.

After her family moved to the Frederick area, she completed her senior year at Frederick High
School, graduating with the class of 1950. Also graduating that year was her husband to be, M. Eugene
(Gene) Rippeon. They married a few years later on March 19, 1955 and celebrated their 60 th
anniversary just prior to his passing in May 2015.

Dorothy was a cosmetologist by training and operated the Country Lane Beauty Shop in her home
for many years while raising her children and maintaining her household. She was an active member of
the New Market Homemakers club and enjoyed sewing, quilting and crafts (many of which she
demonstrated at the Great Frederick Fair). She always found time for family and friends, and was an
intense competitor at card and board games.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter and two sons, Dr. Daryll Rippeon(Marty)of Frederick,
Simone Albee (Robert) of Reisterstown, Md., and Lauren Rippeon(Cathy) of Palmyra, Pa.; brother
Edward Birely (Delores) of Waynesboro, Pa., sister Madoline Harbaugh(Ronald) of Waynesboro, Pa.,
and sister Carol Linton (James) of Yellow Springs; 7 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, numerous
nieces and nephews, and special friend Sylvia Springer.

In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by grandson Jackson Rippeon and siblings
Alice Caufman, Archie Varner Jr., Katharine Peters, Betty Zimmerman, and Luttie Miller.

A memorial service officiated by Rev. Scott Clawson will be held at Mt. Carmel UMC, 9411
Baltimore Road, Frederick on Wednesday December 27 at 10 a.m. ; visitation beginning at 9 a.m.
Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring, may make contributions to Mt. Carmel UMC or a charity of their
choice.

Dorothy's care has been entrusted to Black's Funeral Home of Thurmont.

 Service Information