UNION, Mich. -- Mary Ann Ripplinger, 79, passed away Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009, at 1:06 a.m. at Goshen General Hospital.

Mary was born July 6, 1930, in Harvey, Ill., to the late Michael A. and Mary A. (Bielecki) Pajor. On April 18, 1950, she married Edwin W. "Rip" Ripplinger in Harvey, Ill. He passed away on Sept. 1, 2009.

Survivors include sons, Mark (Doris) Ripplinger of White Pigeon, Robert Ripplinger of Bristol, Ind., Don (Tracy) Ripplinger of North Webster, Ind., and Peter Ripplinger of Lowell; brother, Charles (Dorothy) Pajor of Hoopeston, Ill.; brother-in-law, Harold (Shirley) Turngren of Mahomet, Ill.; sister-in-law, Doris Meneghini of Dowagiac; and daughter-in-law, Dale Ripplinger.

Surviving as well are her eight grandchildren, Julie (Nick) Garcia, Aaron, Michael, Leigh-Anne, Keith, Zach and Kayla Ripplinger and Jacob Cloud.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mary Ann was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Nienow; her sons, Steve, Kenneth and David Ripplinger; brother, Edward Pajor; sisters, Jo Ann Turngren and Deloris Brazil; grandson, David Ripplinger; and great-granddaughter, Raina Garcia.

Mary was a graduate of Thornton High School in Harvey. She was a selfless, loving wife and mother who was known to many for her excellent cooking and candy making.

Mary Ann was a longtime member of St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church.

Please join with her family and friends as we celebrate the life of Mary on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, where a parish rosary will be prayed starting at 7:45 p.m.

Friends may also call for two hours prior to the noon (12 o'clock) Friday, Oct. 16, 2009, Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church located at 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol. The Rev. Robert (Bob) Van Kempen will officiate. Graveside services and burial will follow at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart.

Please direct any memorials to Southern Care Hospice Inc., 4341 S. Westnedge Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008 or to the church. To share a memory or to send condolences to the family please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.