Our loving Mother, Nanny, Grandmother and Great Grandmother died peacefully in her sleep on September 12th, 2023, just how she had prayed God would take her.
Carmen was born November 28, 1924 to Ben and Lena Stremer, on the dairy farm she grew up on in Athens, WI.
She had a happy childhood on the farm with her three brothers, Edmund, Ervin and Victor Stremer, who all preceded her in death.
Carmen traveled by train to Spokane with her father in 1946 to visit her Aunt and Uncle and ended up staying in Spokane.
In 1947 she met Edmund Ripple Jr., they wed in 1948 and were married for over 57 years until his death in 2005. They had four children.
Carmen and Ed enjoyed many years at the family cabin on Diamond Lake. A highlight was traveling to 22 countries later in life.
Throughout the years Carmen worked at The Milwaukee and Wausau Electric Defense Plants during the war, Crescent Department Store in Payroll and at the family business, Acme Printing Co. in Spokane.
Carmen would tell everyone her most important job was being a Mother and homemaker. She loved her four children, nine Grandchildren and twelve Great Grandchildren unconditionally.
She was thrilled to have held her last two Great Granddaughters who were born recently.
As the family matriarch she also has many nieces and nephews in Wisconsin.
She is survived by her children: Mary Shields (Mike) Spokane, WA, Beth LaMunyon (Jim) Olympia, WA, Teresa Hancock (Dave) Bonney Lake, WA, Joe Ripple (Barb) Spokane, WA. Grandchildren: Erin Shields Partovi (Dave) Sara Heath (Steve) Colin Shields, Jessica Riley (James) Julie Schedivy (Branden) Cameron Hancock (Virdis) Jennifer Ripple, Ashley Patzer (Tucker) and Victoria Ripple. Carmen had twelve Great Grandchildren .
Carmen had a very long life and was blessed with excellent health. She was always happy and positive, loved to laugh and engage in long  conversations enjoying people of all ages. She made everyone feel very special, important and very loved. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Private Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will happen at a later time.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to The Poor Clare Nuns.