March 1, 1959 – July 31, 2025

Lifelong Colorado Resident and Public Servant
Steve Rippy, a Colorado native and lifelong resident of New Castle, passed away July 31st, surrounded by his loved ones. A Rifle H.S. graduate, he also attended Jamestown College and Mesa State College.
Steve was employed by the County Assessor’s Office (1981 to 2001), including as Deputy Assessor and Assessor, and was the New Castle Town Administrator and Community Development Director (2001-2007). He was also a Planning & Zoning Commissioner (1994–2001) and served on the Town Council and as Mayor (1986–1994). In 2009, he became District Manager of the Battlement Mesa Metro District and also managed the Battlement Mesa Service Association.
In 2024 Steve received the Legacy Award from the Town of New Castle for 35 years of service and as Local Historian for contributions to New Castle History. He served as the New Castle Historic Commissioner and Chair until 2021 and spent decades collecting historic photographs of the town and past mayors, researched and compiled detailed records of those interred in Highland Cemetery, and administered and contributed to numerous New Castle Facebook historic sites.
Beyond his many accomplishments, Steve will be remembered for his compassion, humility, and unwavering loyalty to friends, family, and community. He had a natural ability to make people laugh, even in difficult moments, and he approached every situation with a calm, steady presence. His kind, gentle nature left a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Steve is survived by his wife of 45 years, Becky Rippy; his sons, Steven (Jamie) Rippy, Casey (Alicia) Rippy, his cherished grandchildren, Lyam, Isla, Keefer, and Kennedy, parents Harley and Janet Rippy, and siblings Shari Phelps, Dow (Nicole) Rippy, Miles (Teresa) Rippy, and Shayne Rippy, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by brother Lee Rippy and sister Marie Cullinan.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 10:00 AM at Burning Mountain Park in downtown New Castle. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Castle Museum, PO Box 90, New Castle, CO 81647, or Journey Home Animal Shelter, PO Box 1375, Rifle CO 81650.