Rita Amalia Zipfel, beloved wife for 61 years of Frank Zipfel, died at Trillium Court, Kincardine, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at the age of 84. She was born Sept. 15, 1934, in Hohensachsen, Germany, daughter of the late Karl and Christina Kolb. Greatly missed by three daughters: Priscilla (Blain) Carruthers, Debbie (Art) Stanley, and Shanda (Mike) Hewitson; grandchildren, Jaime Lee, Chelsea, Melanie, Meghan, Cass and Joshua. Also survived by her brother, Bernd (Gudren) Kolb; brother-in-law, Gerhard Jochim; and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sisters, Cacilia Jochim, Maria (Johann) Weber, and Helga (Egon) Noe; brother, Willi (Margret) Kolb; in-laws, Gottfried and Melanie Leder; nephew, Jorgan Noe; and dear family friend, Donalda MacKinnon. Rita came to Canada as a young woman in 1957 to marry her sweetheart, Frank. They settled into the Ripley community to operate Frank’s Garage, and embraced their life in the tiny village. Their home was always open to family and friends. After raising their three daughters, they sold their garage and built a new home in Southampton. Rita enjoyed many trips to visit family in Germany, Arkansas, Manitoba and, of course, Ripley. She was a huge supporter and cheerleader of her grandchildren and took pride in their many accomplishments. She will be remembered for her enthusiastic love of crafts, puzzles, playing cards, and playing on the computer. Her laughter, strength of character and strong work ethic will be forever remembered and emulated by her family. Although health challenges dominated her final years, her kind smile, sparkling eyes, and joy would light up the room when you stopped in for a visit. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered by her family and friends. To celebrate Rita’s life, a visitation will be held at the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley, Friday, Oct 19, 2018, from 10-11 a.m., followed by a private family service. Interment, Ripley Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Trillium Court Residents Council or the Alzheimer Society of Grey Bruce, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. |
