Wilma Elsie Rippy passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the age of 103. Wilma was born on November 17, 1920, in Raiford to her parents Oscar and Emma (Riddle) Swearingen. She met the love of her life, George W. Rippy, and they were married on January 15, 1939, in Eufaula. Wilma worked as a Cafeteria Manager.
Wilma was a member of First Baptist Church in Preston, having moved her membership from the Baptist church at Stidham when she moved to Preston to be closer to family. She served faithfully as a song leader and Sunday School teacher in Stidham where she also made many trips to church camp and cooked for the campers. She had experience in the cooking department as she was the cook at Stidham Schools for 41 years. She was well known for her hot rolls.
She is preceded in death by spouse, George Rippy; father, Oscar Swearingen; mother, Emma Swearingen; son, Bobby Rippy; grandson, Daniel Rippy; brother, Graydon Swearingen; brother, Roy Swearingen; brother, Loy Swearingen; sister, Oleta Bankston.
She was the last remaining of her generation from both the Rippy and Swearingen sides of the family. Her mother, Emma Swearingen, also lived to be 100+ years living a long life ahead of her.
Wilma leaves many loving memories with her family, daughter Linda McCullah and husband Lawrence; grandson, Matt Rippy; grandson, David Rippy; grandson, Scott Mc-Cullah and wife Kim; November 17, 1920 – January 3, 2024
granddaughter, Lauren and husband Ray Long. Great-grandchildren Kayla Rippy, Tyler Doerr, Connor Rippy, Hayleigh and husband Jordan Sullivan of Tulsa; Emma Long, Jaxson and wife Maycie Mc-Cullah, Abbie Long, Joe McCullah, Jake McCullah, Brady Long and Delanie Long all of Preston, along with many other loving relatives and a host of friends.
A viewing and visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service Chapel. A funeral service to honor and celebrate the life of Wilma was held at 1 p.m. January 10, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Preston, 10074 Old Hwy 75 in Preston, with her grandson Pastor Scott McCullah officiating followed by a graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery in Eufaula. Pallbearers were Jaxson McCullah, Jake McCullah, Joe McCullah, Brady Long, Ray Long, David Rippy with her nephews as honorary pallbearers.
Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt’s Okmulgee Funeral Service & Cremation Care, 220 S. Alabama Ave. in Okmulgee. Family and friends may leave kind words of comfort, special memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice. com.
