Phyllis Van Riper

Phyllis Van Riper was born July 11, 1923 in Telluride, Colorado and passed away May 18, 2014 in her home in Montrose, Colorado.  She  was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Van Riper, her parents Adolph and Pearl Williams, and two sisters Bertha Turner and Betty McBride.

Surviving family members include her daughter Nancy (Ken) Shorter of Montrose, Tony  (Terry) Mason of Montrose, Richard Van Riper of Grand Junction, stepson Chris (Lael) Van Riper of Montrose, along with 11 grandchildren, 20 great grand children, and one great, great grandchild. 

Phyllis was a devoted wife, mother and friend.  She was an avid reader, loved to dance, crochet, and play cards with friends. She had a great sense of humor and a quick wit.  Being a miner’s daughter in Colorado made for many interesting stories from her growing up years that delighted any who knew her.

Graveside services will be held at the Cedar Creek Cemetery on June 14,2014  at 11:00am  followed by a celebration of her life at Hillcrest Congregational United Church of Christ, 611 South Hillcrest, Montrose, Colorado.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope West, PO Box 1804, Montrose, Colorado 81402 or to the giver’s choice.  The family would like to express our many thanks for the incredible care and support of the Hope West Hospice team during the last few months of Phyllis’s life.   Arrangements are under the care of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colorado.