Gloria (Demuth) Rippenhagen

Gloria Rippenhagen, 80 of Brenham, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2020.

Gloria Ann Demuth was born November 21, 1939 in Brenham to Peter Demuth, Sr. and Frieda (Hodde) Demuth. Her mother died when she and her sister Gertrude were young children. Their father then married Lydia Luedemann , who had a son Harvey. The family grew with sons Pete, David, and Larry being born. Gloria helped care for the boys, while her stepmother worked in nursing. She met, and with youngest brother along at dates, fell in love with her soulmate Robert F. Rippenhagen, Jr. Her stepmother insisted that Gloria graduate before getting married. She was a 1958 graduate of Brenham High School. Gloria and Robert were married June 20, 1958 at Greenvine Baptist Church by Rev. Frank Armbruster. To this union, one son Ronald was born. Gloria worked with Robert as secretary of their Rip’s Auto Service. Later, she was employed at the Toy Box Day Care Center. Gloria studied and received credentials to become their Director of Child Development. From there, she retired in 2003. Hundreds of adults remember their Toy Box years and the love of Mrs. Rip.

Gloria was a lifelong member of Greenvine Baptist Church, where she was involved in Bible study groups. She enjoyed cooking and was a talented artist. She was a member of the Retired Federal Employees (NARFE).

She was preceded in death by: parents; stepbrother, Harvey Luedemann and wife Sue, half-brothers Pete Demuth, David Demuth; sister, Gertrude Ramer and husband Sam.

Surviving loving family includes: husband, Robert “Rip” Rippenhagen, Jr.; son, Ronald “Ronnie” D. Rippenhagen and wife Sandy; step granddaughter, Dr. Jennifer Stewart; step great grandchildren, Diana Faulkner, Carolina and Cash Hooper; brother, Larry Demuth and wife Mary; numerous nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Becky and Bonnie Demuth.

Visitation will be Friday, October 23 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 24 at 11 a.m. at the Greenvine Baptist Church pavilion with Pastor Jack Faulkner and Charles Steven officiating. Those attending are encouraged to dress comfortably and use precautions by wearing masks and social distancing. Chairs, masks and bottled water will be available, or you may bring your own if you wish.

Interment will follow in Greenvine Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Demuth, Brady Russell, Gary Steen, Russell Steen, Nathan Steen, Alex Demuth, Jason Merryman and Jim Witte.

Honorary pallbearers will be all former employees of Toy Box.

Gloria’s family wishes to thank the entire staff of Brenham Nursing and Rehabilitation, Hospice Brazos Valley and Washington County EMS for their care.

Memorials are requested to Hospice Brazos Valley, Greenvine Baptist Cemetery or Church.