Aileen Elizabeth Rippon's Obituary
Aileen was born at home in Thorp, Washington on May 25, 1927 to Douglas & Nellie (Roan) Wilson. She was the oldest of 3 children.
She died peacefully at home in St. Helens with family by her side on Thursday, March 28, 2013. She was 85 years old.
Aileen attended school in Thorp and after graduation in 1945, went to Open Bible Standard College in Eugene, Oregon. She transferred to Bethany Bible College in Portland, where she met her first husband, Virgil King. She and Virgil went to Gold Coast (Ghana) in Africa to serve as missionaries and were there until his death.
After Virgil’s death Aileen moved back to the United States where she worked as a bookkeeper in California. There she met Richard (Dick) Rippon whom she married. The two of them had a tax accounting business. Again she was widowed, and moved to Washington to live with her brother and sister-in-law. In 1996, she moved to St. Helens, Oregon so she could be near her aunt & uncle.
She was a member of the Christian Church of St. Helens where she served faithfully as a knowledgeable Bible teacher.
Before coming to Oregon, a stroke had rendered her physical body partially paralyzed, but it resulted in strengthening her spiritual life. She was a strong prayer warrior and an encourager to those who witnessed her faith and steadfastness in spite of her physical limitations. Even after she could no longer attend church she continued to be a blessing to those who visited her. Her love for her Lord, inspired all who loved her, too.
She is survived by her brother Ray (Lorna) Wilson of Mulino, Oregon; daughter Kristine (Doyle) Wilson-Slack of San Francisco, California; step-daughters Lynn (Michael) Allen and Karen Rippon; two grandchildren Chelsey De Lima and Rachel Tsunis; cousin Patrea Kroll; five nieces and two nephews.
Aileen was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Virgil King and Richard Rippon; and her sister Virginia Pope.
A celebration of Aileen’s life and ministry will be held on Sunday, April 14th, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. at the Christian Church of St. Helens at 185 South 12th St.
Memorials may be made in her name to the Christian Church of St Helens.
A private interment will take place in Thorp, Washington.
On-line condolences may be made at www.columiafh.com
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