Obituary of Vilma Gladys Ripa

Vilma Gladys Ripa, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother ("GG") and friend passed away surrounded by her family into the loving arms of Jesus on October 18, 2024 at the age of 98 in Endicott, New York. Born on January 18, 1926, in Exeter, Pennsylvania, she was the youngest of fourteen children to Charles and Lillian (Cole) Lahr. As the baby of the family, she was the apple of her father's eye. Throughout her long life, Vilma experienced the profound loss of many loved ones, yet she remained a steadfast and nurturing presence in her family. She prided herself on outliving her sassy sisters. The name Vilma was chosen in a unique way. For the first few months of her life, her parents could not decide on a name and referred to her as "Baby." Her mother wanted to name her Mildred but her father did not approve. After seeing a film featuring Hungarian actress Vilma Bánky, her father suggested the name, which was quickly adopted. Her middle name, Gladys, was later added, reflecting the family's fondness for traditional names. Vilma graduated from West Wyoming High School in 1943, and was awarded a full scholarship to college. During WWII, she supported the war effort as an entry-level draftsman, assisting in the creation of technical drawings and blueprints for military projects. She supported the war effort and also possessed the skills to pursue an advanced white-collar career, but instead chose to support her husband and family. A talented athlete, Vilma excelled in baseball, softball, tennis, and golf, earning admiration for her natural athletic ability and competitive spirit. In 1952, Vilma married the love of her life, James "Jim" Ripa, and they shared 31 years together until his passing in 1983. They made their home in Endicott, New York, where Jim worked as an engineer at IBM, and Vilma became an active, respected, and beloved member of the community. Jim and Vilma were members at First Presbyterian Church in Endicott and were known for their strong faith in the Lord. They were both avid golfers and enjoyed playing competitively at IBM Country Club while spending winters in Florida to continue their love of the game. Vilma was admired for winning the American Cancer Society's National Golf Championship two years in a row. Even after Jim's death, she remained a cherished part of her community known for her kindness, faith, and dedication to her family. Vilma was a 28-year breast cancer survivor due to her stubbornness, spunk and addiction to coffee. She cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and leaves them with loving memories of baking, playing poker and teaching them how to swing a golf club. She proudly attended every single sports game, dance recital and school event and was their biggest cheerleader. But most importantly, she modeled to them the love of Christ in all that she did. Vilma was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, parents, Charles and Lillian Lahr, and siblings: Margaret Lahr, Marjorie May, Charles Lahr, Eva May Payne, Edmund Lahr, John Lahr, an infant brother (stillborn in 1915), Lillian Long, Amanda Collechio, Esther Lecher, Warren Lahr (a celebrated NFL All-Pro defensive back for the Cleveland Browns) and William "Billy" Payne. She is survived by her only daughter, Diane Woodruff and her husband Jim, her two granddaughters whom she loved dearly, Jill Trate and her husband Dennis, Jamie Woodruff and her fiance Kevin White, as well as her 8 great-grandchildren who were the light of her life right up until the very end: Kyle Woodruff and his girlfriend Peyton Anderson, Brianna Rexer, Connor White, Jaedynn Rexer, Aiden White, Rachel Trate, Colin Rexer and Abby Trate. She is also survived by her loving sister, Phyllis Budash, as well as her dear nieces, Charlene Pittman, Ruth Lahr, Lillian Lahr, Nancy Dawson, Josie Lahr, Janet Lewis, Danyell Long and nephews Michael Prislupsky and William Staples. She will forever be remembered for her faith in Christ, spunky attitude and sass which endeared to her family and friends alike, as well as her wisdom, strength, boundless love, and irresistible affection for coffee and donuts. The family would like to give a special thank you to Guthrie Hospice Services: her nurse, Jessica, home health care aide, Kris, and social worker, Jessica, for their wonderful care and concern over the last 6 months. A private service will be held in her honor, and she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Jim, in Endicott. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer's Society in celebrating Vilma's legacy of love, perseverance, resilience, and devotion.