Donna Mae Ripley, 89, of Melbourne FL, died Wednesday, January 3 with family by her side.

She was born to the late Elden and Grace Andersen on November 9, 1928 in Minneapolis, MN. Donna was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, MI and married Paul E. Ripley, also from the Soo, in 1951. They raised their family in Michigan and upon retirement, enjoyed RV travel, before relocating to Melbourne, FL.

Donna was a mother, business woman, and talented artisan. In addition to raising her family, she enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, stained glass work, basket making and traveling. Activities and antics of her family, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren filled her calendar and heart with pride and joy.

Donna was a member of Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne.

Donna is survived by Paul, her husband of 66 years. She is also survived by her children Mary (Gary) Horn of Melbourne, FL; Patricia (Bob) Kjolhede of Thompsonville, MI, and David Ripley of Soo, MI. Her youngest child, Carol Ann Johnson, preceded her in death. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass with be held at Ascension Catholic Church on January 12 ^th at 11:30 AM.  A memorial service, to celebrate her life, will also be held over the summer in Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to Ascension Catholic Church of Melbourne or St. Francis Hospice of Melbourne.

Anyone wishing to send the family a message or share a story is asked to visit Donna's memorial page at www.daviisseawinds.com