Jeanne was raised by her grandmother, Lily Merrill. Lily had 11 children, among them several daughters who, while married, had no children of their own. These lovely ladies all doted on Roberta as if she were their own and made sure that she had everything reasonable that she might need. Roberta had a very close relationship with Maude’s second daughter, Harriet, and also enjoyed a bond with her youngest sister, Leta Mae, also known as “Lettie”.
As a young woman she preferred to use her middle name of “Jeanne”. After graduating from Crete High School she met and was romanced by Roy Ripley of Lincoln. The two fell in love and following in the footsteps of their friends, eloped to Papillion Nebraska to be married by a Justice of the Peace on November 16, 1940.
To this union were born: Richard, Roger and Amy. During WWII Roy was deployed overseas to be gone nearly two years. The young family shared housing with Roy’s mother, Amy Ripley and his aunt, Ruth Crain. When the war was over Jeanne rode the train to Denver to meet Roy and there he bought his wife her first diamond ring.
Jeanne was not a cook when she married Roy but under the guidance of her wonderful mother-in-law she became a wonderful cook.
Returning to Lincoln the young couple were the first to have a home loan through First Federal Savings & Loan. They bought the house at 2644 “P” Street and lived there for their entire married life. Roy passed in 1993 and one year later Jeanne purchased a condo across town where she lived comfortably until declining health in 2021. She then moved to Southlake Village where the staff loved her and took wonderful care of her.
Jeanne was very involved in her children’s lives, serving as a Girl Scout leader, PTA member and President, room parent, parent sponsor/supervisor with Roy for across town high school bus trips to athletic events. She made sure to attend all school conferences and was a presence in her children’s lives.
Jeanne was a long-time member of Second Presbyterian Church and a charter member of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter CS-DK. She made wonderful friends by joining the Striders Group, a Widows Group and of course Presbyterian Women. Jeanne worked on the Election Board for over 50 years and always enjoyed the workers and voters. She was outgoing and a friend to all. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.
Jeanne is survived by children: Richard (Carol), Roger (Kathy), Amy. Grandchildren: Michael (Melissa), Aaron (Ginny), Andy (Amanda), Dan (Andria), Melissa D. 8 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026 at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 8300 E. Pointe Road in Lincoln.
Memorials to Good Shepard Foundation.
Luncheon to follow service.