Jean Ripley

Jean Ripley was born Cleta Imogene Stevens in Buffalo City, Arkansas, on October 22, 1927, to Harvey and Laura Stevens. In the early morning hours of August 1, 2022, Jean crossed over to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jean was born, raised and educated in and around Mountain Home, Arkansas. She reminisced fondly of her life on the farm surrounded by her three sisters (Jessmon, Inez, and Tina) and brother (Jerry) and all the things nature provided. Brought up in a Christian home, Jean learned early on about Jesus’s love and sacrifice. Although the actual date of her conversion is not known, immediate family can attest to her knowledge and faith in God. On October 18, 1987, her faith was affirmed by confession and baptism at the First Baptist Church in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Family was very important to Jean. She had two children Joyce Shaw and Mark Harsh. Joyce is married to David Shaw, and Mark is married Jill (Clugston). She has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Many holidays were spent celebrating together with lots of amazing, homemade southern foods and laughter. She often recalled a Fourth of July when Mark’s chaser firework landed in Cousin Teresa’s bag of fireworks. The popping, fiery bag took flight and cleared the entire front porch of all the ladies who had been enjoying the display while fanning themselves in the humid, summer heat. It was an unforgettable, wonderful picture of family and fun on the farm in Buffalo. Jean was quite gregarious and social! She used these attributes well in her career as a receptionist at King Radio from which she retired. Jean was said to be quite personable and professional. She was very active person. If she wasn’t working; she was gardening, baking, canning knitting, or shopping! In her 60’s, she even worked as a receptionist at First Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. It was there her faith really blossomed, and she met and made wonderful friends who were like family. While a member of First Baptist Church BA, Jean met and married Keith Ripley on December 6, 2004. Together they served the Lord by visiting friends and loved ones who needed uplifting. Jean would prepare her special poppy seed bread to bring on those occasions. Their zest for life and love was an inspiration! Jean will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Joyce found a bookmark in her Bible with this verse…Jean believed it with all her heart…and…she would want you to believe it as well. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, not things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

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Jean Ripley

October 22, 1927 - August 1, 2022