Kent Rippen, 73, of Salina, Kansas passed away August 12, 2020 in Abilene, Kansas. Kent grew up farming in Culbertson, Nebraska and was very proud of his farming roots choosing the CB handle “Cornhusker.†Kent loved to drive, loved to travel, loved his rodeos, loved his family and was a loving companion to his wife Phyllis who preceded him in death. Kent was a special grandfather and great grandfather who will be sorely missed.
Survivors include: Son Jeff (Christi) Rippen and their 2 children of Alabama, daughters Melissa Cain and her 2 children of Alabama, Crystal Rippen and her son Tony Rippen of Colorado, and a daughter who lives in the Carolinas. Step-sons Dan Rowland of Texas, Curtis Fry of Kansas, Randy Fry of Perth, Western Australia, Scott (Patti) Fry of Kansas. Grandchildren Christina Fry Lancaster of S.C, Levi Fry of Kansas, Melissa Fry of Kansas, Remington Fry of Kansas, Montana (Caleb)Fry Wente of Kansas, Reno Fry of Kansas, Georgia Fry of Kansas, Quirt Fry of Kansas, Alexandria Rowland of Tennessee, Christopher Rowland of Texas, Jonathan Fry of Perth, Western Australia, Jake Fry of Perth, Western Australia, Samantha Baldwin of Colorado,and 10 great-grandchildren.
Kent was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis (Walters) Rippen of Kansas, his father Harlan "Tarz" Rippen of Nebraska, his mother Maxine (Shepherd, Rippen) Poore of Nebraska, infant brothers Jimmy and Carroll Rippen of Nebraska, and great granddaughter McKayla Fry of Kansas.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday September 4, 2020 at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, Kansas.