Virginia C. Ripka (née, Wilson), 97, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Edwardsville, Illinois. Born on July 21, 1927, in Meta Missouri, she was the cherished daughter of the late Arthur and Katherine (Breeding) Wilson.
On November 2, 1946, in Dixon, Missouri, Virginia married the love of her life, Willard M. “Bill” Ripka. Their 69 years of marriage was a testament to their unwavering love and devotion, until his passing on September 30, 2016.
Virginia was a faithful member of the former Emmanuel Baptist Church in Granite City, Illinois. She found joy outdoors, tending to her garden and flower beds. She also enjoyed traveling and taking vacations with family and friends. Virginia cherished the moments spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a loving mother, a doting grandmother, and an adoring great-grandmother. Her legacy of faith, compassion, and love will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Willard M. “Bill” Ripka; her son-in-law, Michael Bogovich; her siblings, Goldie Brune, Leonard Wilson, Thelma Duncan, Arthur Wilson, and Mildred Veasmen.
Surviving to cherish her memory are her children, Larry Ripka, of Meta, Missouri, Terry Ripka, of Granite City, Illinois, and Shari Bogovich, of Federal Way, Washington; her grandchildren, Joshua Bogovich, Lindsay (Steven Bollman) Bogovich, and Leigh Ann Ripka; her great grandchildren, Dean, Marlowe, and Rafe; her sister, Shirley Lough; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
Memorials are appreciated to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Reformed Baptist Church in Granite City. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.irwinchapel.com.
Visitation: Family and friends may gather from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Rd., Granite City, Illinois.
Funeral: Services will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Irwin Chapel with Pastor Ben Ritz officiating. Interment will be held privately in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, Illinois.
