Charles Ripley
courtesy photo
Charles Ripley
RONAN — Charles Michael Ripley was born March 26, 1947, and went to his heavenly Father on June 12, 2021.
Chuck was born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter C. Ripley in Kalispell, and raised near Essex Montana. After graduating from Browning High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict. He was also a proud member of the Montana Army National Guard for several years.
Following his honorable military service, he wore many hats, just to name a few, he worked as a mason, a lumberjack, a mill worker, a box car painter, and a flooring installer, eventually opening his own business aptly named, “Chuck’s Flooring.” He then attended college at the University of Great Falls and earned his Associates Degree in Chemical Dependency Counseling. He worked in Great Falls for a few years as a counselor and was especially proud to work with inmates at the Cascade County Detention Center. After a few years he relocated to the St. Ignatius area where he eventually retired from counseling after several years with Lake County. He often spoke of his successes and failures with his clients, but he never gave up on anyone.
There in the Mission Valley he also found the love of his life, Bobbi, and they made a home together. Bobbi has often said that their marriage was one of give and take, and a drama-free zone. They were two peas in a pod and their happiness was contagious. They were constantly visited by loving family, which included their eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Chuck shared his love of hunting, fishing, and all things outdoors with them all. He and Bobbi could often be found at Dobson Creek Coffee in Ronan sharing one of his crazy stories with friends while enjoying his favorite coffee. He and his family are very thankful for the family at Dobson Creek for all of their love and support over the years.
Chuck is survived by his two sisters, Gail and Barbara, and he is preceded in death by his sister, Debra.
Chuck was a loving father to his four children, Joseph, Jeffery Christine, and step-daughter, Kayla. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to us all and he will be greatly missed.
Semper Fi.
