Ruby Lorraine Hippen
Ruby Lorraine Jessen was born on
January 30, 1936, the last child of Morris
and
Ilse
Jessen,
Danish/German
immigrants. She grew up in a large family
18 miles north of Lodgepole, NE, on what
was to become a wheat empire. Her
parents instilled hard work ethic and a
pioneer spirit in their children. Ruby
graduated High School in 1954 and met
John Hippen, son of a neighbor farmer. They were married in 1955 with a
honeymoon in Cuba. They rented most of the home place, some 4,200
acres in wheat to get their start. Her father, who earned the distinction of
Wheat King in 1956, branched out with 24 family members owning 28,000
acres in 4 states. That was when John and Ruby made their move to
Martin, SD, where the soil was heavy and black. They raised good wheat
and later expanded to ranching in Cody, NE.
Ruby's husband, John, was her rock. She shared in all the work and
success of their farm and ranch life together. They were married 55 years
and together, they raised three children, Tom, Tim, and
Cindy, offering guidance and giving unconditional tuff love. Ruby was a
dedicated ranch wife who worked hard, side by side with her husband and
children. She loved her family and delighted in all their activities and
achievements. She was secretary of the business and a lot of team ropings.
She was a wonderful cook that fed hundreds at brandings and mastered the
art of hauling hot meals to the hay field. She loved hosting all the family
holiday get-togethers and was an excellent homemaker. She loved a big
garden, the pride of canning, and delighted in giving gum-drop cakes to
friends at Christmas.
If one could define the duties of a Mother, Ruby didn't get that memo
because she had a style all of her own with an open heart and resilient
energy. After raising her
first family, she didn't
blink when she opened
her home to help raise
two grandkids like her
own when the need arose
and they are both a
wonderful testimonial to
her strength of family
devotion and loving
heart. She welcomed daughter-in-laws into her fold and redefined the
meaning of mother-in-law. Her friends were friends for life.
The role she enjoyed most was the role of being a grandmother and
great-grandmother. She always made herself available to everyone in her
family, wanting to help and lend a hand in any way she could. Although
she had a quiet and gentle spirit, she always was noted for her spunk and
desire to live life and be a part of all that went on in the family for as long
as she was able. She was greatly loved, respected and will be sorely
missed.
Ruby passed away January 17, 2011, in her home in Sturgis, SD, just
short of her 75th birthday.
Ruby is survived by two sisters, Ruth Tipsword of Pinesbluff, WY, and
Rose Jessen of Sidney, NE; sons, Tom and wife, Connie, of Hulett, WY,
and Tim of Cody, NE; daughter, Cindy of Belle Fourche; grandchildren,
Jason Hippen of Hulett, WY, Tyler and wife, Desiree, from Gillette, WY,
Dusti Hippen of Rosebud, SD, Morgan Hippen of Newell, SD, and Abby
DeRidder of Primghar, IA; four great-grandsons, James West, John Wyatt,
Payton Boyd, and Colton Ryon.
Ruby was preceded in death by her husband, John, by a few short
weeks; her parents; brothers, John, Leo, Raymond, and Henry; one son,
John, Jr.; and one great-granddaughter, Megan Marie.
A memorial has been established.
The family invites everyone to a time of fellowship and lunch in the
church hall following the funeral service.
We thank you for your presence and condolences.
In Loving Memory Of
In Loving Memory Of
Ruby Lorraine Hippen
Born
January 30, 1936
Lodgepole, Nebraska
Died
January 17, 2011
Sturgis, South Dakota
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.
First Wesleyan Church
Officiating
Pastor Harold Delbridge
Musical Selections
"Grandma's Song"
"There You'll Be"
Pallbearers
Jason Hippen ~ Tyler Hippen ~ Dusti Hippen
Morgan Hippen ~ Abby DeRidder
James West ~ John Wyatt ~ Payton Boyd ~ Colton Ryon
Honorary Pallbearers
All Family and Friends
Ruby Hippen
1936 ~ 2011