Shirley Ripke

Shirley Ann Ripke (nee: Charron) of Allen Park died Sunday, December 18th, at the age of 78.

Shirley was born on May 18, 1944, in Manchester, New Hampshire, the eldest of three daughters born to Clarence and Georgina (nee: Meyer) Charron. She was reborn a child of God on July 27, 1944, when she was baptized by The Rev. Carl Kretschmar at Christ Lutheran Church - River Rouge, Michigan. Shirley confessed her baptismal faith publicly when she was confirmed by The Rev. Edwin G. Ripke on March 30th, 1958, also at Christ Lutheran in River Rouge.

Shirley was a 1962 graduate of Lowrey High School in Dearborn where she was an active member of the marching band. After high school she enrolled in classes at Henry Ford Community College and later attended the Detroit College of Business.

She began her working career at B. Siegel’s, as a Data Processing Manager. Shirley continued her career as a Programmer/Analyst at the American Red Cross and the Internal Revenue Service, until she retired in 2014.

On April 21, 1972 God blessed Shirley with the gift of a beloved companion when she was united in holy matrimony to Edwin (Ed) Glenn Ripke before God’s altar at Christ Lutheran - River Rouge. The 47-year union of husband and wife was blessed with

three children, twin daughters, Susan and Sharon (who were born prematurely) and one son, Michael. Sharon died shortly after childbirth. The family settled in Allen Park where they were active members of Mt. Hope Lutheran Church & School. Ed

preceded Shirley in death in January 2020.

Shirley faithfully served God and her neighbor throughout her various callings in life: as wife, mother and grandmother; daughter and sister; employee, co-worker, and friend. She enjoyed gardening, visiting antique stores, and treasured visiting with her friends over lunch.

On December 18, 2022, the Lord granted Shirley a blessed death and took her home to rest in the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Her earthly remains will be laid to rest at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia, Michigan there to await the

resurrection of all flesh on the last day.

Shirley is mourned by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan (Daniel) Grams and their children, Mitchell, Katherine, Nicholas, and Nathan; her son and daughter-in-law, Michael (Jennifer), and their children, Alexis (Joshua), Dominic, and Olivia; her

sisters, Dianne (Carl) Krueger, and Charleen (Bobby) Walters, and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at Martenson Funeral Home (10915 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI 48101) Tuesday, December 27th, from 2pm-8pm. The Service of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Wednesday December 28th, at Ascension Church of Christ Lutheran Church (16935 W. 14 Mile Rd, Beverly Hills, MI).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in loving memory of Shirley be made to Lutheran Heritage Foundation (51474 Romeo Plank Rd, Macomb, MI), to assist them in their work of sharing the Gospel to people around the world.