Mary Kathren Darline Rippy, 77, of Richmond, Missouri, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026, surrounded by her family. She fought a long and courageous battle against pancreatic cancer, defying the odds of a poor prognosis and blessing her loved ones with more time than anyone expected.
Born on August 29, 1948, in Henrietta, Missouri, Mary Payne was the beloved daughter of William W. Payne and Wilma M. Conklin. Throughout her life, she was known for her huge, caring heart, feisty spirit, spunky personality, incredible strength, and unwavering love for those around her. She touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her and never hesitated to put others before herself.
Mary dedicated her life to her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. Whether she was cheering from the stands at football games, basketball games, dance recitals, or pep assemblies, decorating her yard for Richmond Homecoming, cracking walnuts, shopping every Dillard’s and Cargo Largo sale she could find, or stopping by the casino whenever she had the chance, she embraced every moment with enthusiasm. She always offered a helping hand to anyone in need and loved her family and community with her whole heart.
Above all else, Mary cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love, wisdom, and unwavering support shaped generations. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcomed, loved, and cared for, and her kindness and generosity left a lasting impact on countless lives.
Mary married James Daniel “Jim” Rippy on July 15, 1967. Together they built a beautiful life and raised three children: James Donald Rippy (Christi), Lori Ann Summers (Mike), and Leanne Darline Meadows (Charlie). During Jim’s service in the Vietnam War, Mary faithfully cared for their growing family at home, a reflection of the quiet strength and selflessness she carried throughout her life. She was the proud grandmother of Cooper and Lily Summers, James “Danny” and Natalie Rippy, and Malori Chrisman (Andrew Bidding), and the cherished great-grandmother of Alaina Payton-Summers, all of Richmond, Missouri.
She is also survived by her siblings: Barbara Flanigan, Tessie Payne (Mary), Elizabeth Heyer, James Payne (Donna), Judy Cobb, and Clarence Payne (Diana), along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, James Daniel “Jim” Rippy; her parents, William and Wilmae Payne; and her siblings Bill Payne, Harold Payne, Kenneth Payne, Dortha Howard, Donald Payne, Alvin Payne, Richard Payne, Julia Mae Payne, and Linda Sue Payne.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Mary is once again in the arms of the love of her life, Jim, whom she missed so dearly. She is at peace, free from pain, and reunited with those who went before her. Her love, kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirkey’s Hospice and Palliative Care in Mary’s memory, who has been a huge support for Mary’s family and many others in the area or the Ray County Veterans Association. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 11:00 A.M., with services at 1:00 P.M. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please remember to share your memories of Mary with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
