Published on June 8, 2025 8:41 pm
Last Updated on June 10, 2025 9:46 am
Rebecca “Becky” Jane Rippetoe, 72, of Altamont, began her eternal journey with Jesus, passing away peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Becky was the second of three children born to Betty Jane (Cheshier) Bates and Paul Joseph Bates on Saturday, January 24, 1953. After the loss of her mother at an early age, Becky was lovingly raised by her uncle and aunt, Fred and Donna Camp, alongside their children Kathy, Tim, David, Cindy, and Mark, who became like siblings to her. On October 24, 1971, she married her high school sweetheart, David Rippetoe, in Altamont, beginning a life of love and shared adventures. Becky was never one to shy away from hard work. Over the years, she worked at the Altamont Garment Factory, Warner Goers Motor Sales, A&H Implement, and co-owned both the Mobil Service Station and Dave’s Auto Salvage with her husband. Beyond her job, Becky gave her time freely, whether it was mentoring students as a Lunch Buddy at Altamont Grade School, delivering meals for the FISH Organization, or simply offering quiet acts of kindness around the community, many of which she preferred to keep anonymous. She was a long-standing member of Altamont Christian Church and could often be found attending soup suppers at various churches, where she enjoyed fellowship and good food. In her earlier years, Becky loved bowling and continued to enjoy reading, sending thoughtful cards, and taking care of the neighborhood’s cats and squirrels. She never missed a favorite TV show and, most of all, cherished time spent with family and friends.
Becky was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, siblings Joe Bates, Paula Smith, Kathy Boone, and David Camp, and brothers-in-law Leonard “Butch” Rippetoe and Danny Rippetoe.
She is survived by brother-in law Tim Smith and his daughters Erin and Tara (daughter Ava); Tim (Nancy) Camp; Cindy (Brian) Blome; Mark (Lori) Camp; Kay Camp; Durita (Gary) Bagley; Delbert (Deb) Rippetoe, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom will miss Becky dearly.
Cremation has taken place, and visitation will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10am-12pm at Altamont Christian Church. Services will follow, with pastors Jody Kitts and Shannon Bopp officiating. The family requests casual attire and asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Be a Tiffany Scholarship Fund – two causes close to Becky’s heart. Gieseking Funeral Home in Altamont is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.giesekingfh.com.