Joyce Marie Ripperda

Joyce Marie Ripperda, age 94, of Princeton, Texas, passed away after a long illness on January 31, 2026, at Princeton Medical Lodge.

Joyce was born on Friday the 13th of February 1931 in Flint, Michigan, to Donna and Allen Smith. She was the second of four children—older sister Norma, younger sister Maxine, and younger brother Gary—all of whom preceded her in death. Joyce graduated from Flint High School and went on to attend the Hurley School of Nursing, earning her licensed practical nurse (LPN) degree. She worked in the pediatric ward at Hurley Hospital, where she met her future husband, Darwin Ripperda, at a dance hosted by his college, the General Motors Institute. They were married on September 18, 1954, and settled in Wyoming, Michigan, later moving to Jenison, Michigan, where they raised their two children, Pamela Sue and Mark Allen.

Joyce chose to leave her nursing career to devote herself fully to being a wife and mother. She was deeply committed to her children’s education and to her church community. She served as PTA president, president of the Mothers’ Club, volunteered for playground duty, and taught third-grade Sunday school for 15 years. Joyce and Darwin also served as leaders of the Reformed Church Youth Fellowship for 17 years. She was always ready to lend a hand or offer her shoulder to anyone in need.

In 1976, Joyce and Darwin moved from Jenison, Michigan, to Torrance, California, for a job opportunity. There, Joyce began tutoring Vietnamese and Chinese immigrant children, helping them develop reading skills and confidence. The family later moved to Canyon Lake, California, when Pam opened a veterinary clinic. Joyce continued tutoring and worked as the clinic’s receptionist. Thirteen years later, she moved to Iowa to follow Pam and her husband, Mike, once again keeping the family together. Her final move was to Princeton, Texas, in 2005, true to her lifelong commitment to family unity.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darwin, and all of her immediate family. She is survived by her daughter Pam and husband Mike, their three children, Melissa, Chris, and Patty; her son Mark and wife Lara, and their children Sophia and Gabe; her great-grandson Cameron; and her three great-granddaughters Joanna, Madeline, and Emelia.

Joyce requested no funeral. Instead, she wished for a celebration of life, a party where no one wears black and her life is joyfully remembered. She also asked that no flowers be sent; in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite animal charity in her memory. A private eulogy and birthday celebration will be held in Princeton on Friday the 13th of February 2026, fittingly marking the day she entered the world.

Joyce was love, joy, spunk, spirit, and compassion, always bringing a smile to those around her. She is now with her Lord and her loved ones, and we will meet again