YOUR AD HERE »

Kathy Von Balcomb Rippy

Kathy Von Balcomb Rippy was born November 2, 1949, in Hattiesburg, MS, to the parents of Nellie and Kenneth Balcomb. She died in Denver, CO, on February 5, 2016. Her family moved to Glenwood Spring in 1953. Most of her life was spent in the Glenwood – Silt area. She spent 24 years as a social worker for Garfield County Department of Social Services.

Kathy had an amazing ability to make her home the perfect nest. In walking through her front door you immediately felt comfortable and at home. She filled it with beautiful original pieces of western art, Native American pots and rugs, and a collection of glassware that rivaled the best of collectors’ dreams. And the entertainment was Kathy telling the great story behind her hunt for each treasure. Her sense of humor and quick wit often brought laughter to conversations. Her family and friends will miss her.

In 1988 she found her most prized original, the man she ultimately married, Dow Rippy. Together they built a wonderful life of travel, grandchildren, ranching and hard work.

After being diagnosed with lupus when her daughter was four years old, she only wished for being able to be here long enough for Molly to graduate from high school. In typical fashion Kathy exceeded our expectations. Not only did she see Molly graduate, she was able to enjoy the birth of her grandchildren and influence their young lives.

Kathy will be remembered for her courageous battle with all the long-term complications of lupus.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ken “Blue” Balcomb and Nellie Simpson. She is survived by brothers, Kenny, Scott (Janet) Balcomb and Mark (Lisa) Balcomb; her daughter, Molly (Troy) Thulson; stepson Nick (Jaleen) Rippy; stepdaughters Miranda Rippy and Savannah (Steve) Huebsch; 12 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews, including Rue and Bo Balcomb.

The family asks for no flowers to be sent. A funeral service will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 546 Hyland Park Drive, Glenwood Springs, Friday, February 12, at 10:30 a.m.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.