Dorothy Rippe passed away quietly and peacefully on October 27, 2023, at Bryan West Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, surrounded and embraced by her family.

Dorothy, the only daughter of Stuart and Hallie Mills, was born on June 9, 1955. She grew up on a farm outside of Murdock, Nebraska with her 4 brothers, and enjoyed showing livestock at the county fair, detasseling corn in the summer, and being around her friends and family. Her childhood instilled a love of being outdoors and a compelling feeling to constantly be in motion and to explore the world around her.

Dorothy worked in healthcare for her entire career, serving and caring for others. It was as a nurse that she cared for and met her future husband, Jim, who had suffered a broken leg in a motorcycle accident. Jim and Dorothy were married on June 28, 1980, and would enjoy road trips, exploring, and toddy time on the front porch for the next 43 years together.

Dorothy was a master gardener, a devoted Husker volleyball fan, and a proficient and curious explorer. She spent her retirement years visiting new places, with a special love for Nebraska and its communities and small locally owned businesses. In her travels, Dorothy, with her travel companions - Jim, friends, nieces, and whoever would say yes - spent time in nearly every Nebraska community, visiting almost every county, state park, and farm winery, and likely had a conversation with most every small business owner that happened to participate in the Nebraska Passport program.

Above all else, Dorothy will be remembered as someone who cared for people with her whole heart. She was a loving mother and a caring friend, but those who knew her best often commented that her life's purpose was most certainly to be a grandma. Grandma Dottie was most loved by her grandchildren, who enjoyed spending time at the cabin, riding on the golf cart, and enjoying all of the baked treats that were never in short supply at Grandma's house.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Jim Rippe; sons and their spouses, Dave and Kristi Rippe, Jason and Nicole Rippe; those that she absolutely loved and adored most, her grandchildren, Julia, Jordi, Hallie, and Jonah.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Glacial Till Cider House & Tasting Room in Ashland, Nebraska.

A family graveside and inurnment service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Village of Malcolm in support of their parks and gardens for the ongoing enjoyment of children and those who enjoy beauty in the landscape around us.