Jack Ripley

Stanley "Jack" Ripley, 76, of Dillon, passed away on May 3rd surrounded by his loving family following complications from surgery in Missoula.  Jack was born in Jamestown, North Dakota on August 4th, 1938 and graduated from high school at the age of 16.  He worked for Al Tescher who took him under his wing on a ranch in The Badlands near Medora, North Dakota.  This is where Al gave Jack a choice of using the ranch pickup to go to church and enjoy the day off or he could stay home and work.  This began a lifelong dedication to his faith.  Jack attended college at Montana State University until he ran out of money and moved to Harlowton to be near his 3 siblings and mother who had started her first teaching job.  That is where he met Kathy, his wife of 53 years.  At that time he was a truck driver for Gilbert Dewey before serving 6 months in the National Guard.  After returning from active duty he went to work for the Department of Livestock as a Brand Inspector in Great Falls.  From there he transferred to Butte, Missoula, Shelby and finally hung his hat in Dillon.  He was a State Brand Inspector for over 33 years.  After retiring from that career, he hauled fertilizer then started hauling heavy equipment for Dillon Implement.  Over the years he became known as a "walking map-quest" by all who knew him.  He, along with Kathy, recently sold their home on the Blacktail and bought a smaller property to begin the next chapter of their lives.  Jack was preceded in death by his father, Stanley; mother, Josephine; and sister, Katharine Jones.  Surviving are his wife, Kathy; daughter Pam Simpson (Jay of Belgrade); John (Dawn of LaGrange, KY); grandchildren Cari Romrell and Tyler Simpson; Michael and Anna Ripley and great-grandson Carter Romrell.  He is also survived by brothers Mike (Janice) and C.T. and sister Claudia Cameron.  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.  A vigil will be held Tuesday, May 5th, at 7:00 pm at St. Rose Church in Dillon.  A mass for Jack will be celebrated Wednesday, May 6th, at 12:10 pm at St. Rose Church in Dillon followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the St. Patrick House, 501 W. Alder, Missoula, MT 59802.