Erma 'Jean' M. (Riplinger) Wilson, 86
Erma or “Jean” as most people knew her, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 22, 2010, in Spokane. She was born Feb. 3, 1924, in Coeur d’Alene, to N.F. Riplinger Sr. and Veronica (Bottrell) Riplinger. At the age of 8 she moved to the Clarkston-Lewiston area where she grew up and completed her schooling before returning to the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area.
Jean worked for the telephone company for several years and following a “blind date” and a whirlwind romance of six weeks, in March 1945 she married Allyn Wilson, and they remained married for 60 years until his death in 2005. They had two children and as a military family traveled from post to post which she easily adapted to and dearly loved, always returning to Coeur d’Alene during the times when the family couldn’t be with Allyn.
Following retirement from the military they moved back to the Spokane Valley. Jean worked at Valley Hospital and Medical Center for 20 years until, in her mid-70s, she decided to retire as well.
Erma “Jean” is survived by her daughter, Barbara (Schlecht) Lewis; two granddaughters Kelly Powers (Scott) and Lisa Moliterno (Anthony), and four great-grandchildren Griffin, Madeline, Vincent and Sophia; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Allyn in 2005; her son Allyn Jr. (Kelly) in 1975 and both brothers Jack Riplinger and most recently her brother, N.F. (Babe) Riplinger.
She will be deeply missed by her family, but will be remembered for her love of family feistiness, and fun, loving spirit.
A special thank you to the caregivers and staff at Northpointe Retirement and Hospice of Spokane for the wonderful care given to her.
The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 29, 2010, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, with interment to follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spokane County Animal Shelter (SCRAPS), 2521 N. Flora Road, Spokane Valley, WA 99216 or to Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.
English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, is in charge of the arrangements.
Please sign Jean’s guest registry and view her online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.