Doris Rippetoe Obituary

JOHNSON CITY - Doris Hale Rippetoe, 75, Johnson City, died unexpectedly at her home, Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Doris was born in Erwin and was a lifelong resident of Johnson City. She was a daughter of the late Lee Otis and Opal Cook Miller Hale.

Doris was a 1965 graduate of Science Hill High School, received her Bachelor of Education, then Masters of Education and Physical Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

She was a teacher in the Greeneville City Schools for a year at Tusculum View Elementary, Kingsport City Schools for five years at Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson Elementary, and the Johnson City School System for 28 years, at Fairmont and Northside Elementary Schools, Liberty Bell Middle School, and Indian Trail Intermediate School, retiring in 2010.

Shortly after her retirement from teaching, Doris began working at Talbot's. She would often be overheard saying how much she loved the job due to the fellowship she had with her co-workers and customers, (and she loved the employee discount).

Doris loved celebrating the holidays because it was an opportunity for all of the family to be together. Her favorite holiday was Christmas due to the significance of the day, and that her favorite color was red.

She also cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Being present for their sporting events and special occasions was extremely important to her.

Doris always looked forward to traveling with her family, whether to the family's "mountain home" on Mount Mitchell, NC, the family's hotel, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn, or the yearly family beach trip to Pawley's Island, SC, or St. Augustine, FL. She, along with her late husband John, were true "VOLS FOR LIFE", and never missed watching a game, preferably at their beloved Neyland Stadium.

Doris was the "heartbeat" of the Rippetoe family. The legacy she leaves behind is one of grit, selflessness, perseverance, and dependence on Jesus Christ. It was paramount to her that her children knew that the relationship they have with Jesus is the most important one they will ever have.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-one years and love of her life, John Neill Rippetoe, on April 14, 2022.

Doris is survived by her four children, Lisa Rippetoe Mathes and husband David, John Paul Rippetoe and wife Dr. Sarah Rippetoe, Leigh Ann Rippetoe, Laura Rippetoe Ainsworth; her sister, Susan Hale Burns and husband Larry; thirteen grandchildren, Austin Brown and wife Abby, Mason Brown, Garrison Brown, Lily Rice, Ian Mathes, John Miller Rippetoe, David Rippetoe, Madison Rippetoe Brigman and husband Blake, Amn. Christopher Casey, U.S. Air Force, Amn. Jacob Casey, U.S. Air Force, Emma, Aidy and Ander Ainsworth; two great-grandchildren, Braxton and Lanie Brigman; sister-in-law, Nancy Rippetoe Crumley and husband Lynn; several nieces, nephews, cousins and her beloved Schnauzers, Willow and Zoey.

The graveside funeral service will be conducted Sunday, June 25, 2023, at 2:00 P.M., in Monte Vista Memorial Park, with Dr. Barry Burns officiating. Doris's grandsons and grandson-in-law will serve as pallbearers. Those planning to attend are to please meet at the cemetery by 1:50 P.M.

The family will receive friends Saturday, June 24, 2023, from 3:30–6:00 P.M., in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral Home.

It is the family's request that memorial contributions in-lieu-of flowers be made in Doris's name to either the Kermit Tipton Scholarship Fund, 203 E. Holston Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, or to the Science Hill High School Gridiron Club, 18 Hunters Ridge Rd., Johnson City, TN 37604.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Rippetoe family. (423-928-6111)