Druscilla Ann Ripley

Druscilla Ann Wilson Ripley, 75, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 5, at her home in Athens, Ga., surrounded by the family who loved her deeply.

Born Feb. 10, 1939, in South Paris, Maine, "Dru" was a 1957 graduate of Paris High School. After marrying the late William K. Ripley in 1960, the couple moved to Florida.

Though Dru spent most of her life living in the South, Maine never left her heart, and she delighted in telling stories of enormous snowfalls and a simpler life in 1950s New England. She had a Southerner's approachability paired with a Yankee's sentimentality, with a deep love of L.L. Bean, blueberries, Georgia Bulldogs football and Johnny Cash. A devoted but humble Christian, it was not uncommon for Dru to offer housing, money and sage advice to those in need. Up to the very end, Dru always thought of others before herself.

Dru spent a career in retail, working at nurseries and department stores. Known for exacting standards and a loyalty to customers, Dru never hesitated to "tell it like it was" to improve wherever she worked.

Dru's true dedication was to her family: Nothing fulfilled her more than to be together with her three sons and numerous grandchildren. Her home was a museum to her family, with walls, shelves and counters covered with drawings, photos, letters and mementoes.

She is survived by her sons, William K. Ripley III of Athens, Ga., John Ripley of South Portland, Me., and Bryan Ripley of Athens, Ga.; her grandchildren, William K. Ripley IV of Athens, Ga., Chris Ripley of Newman, Ga., Jean Ripley of Cambridge, Ma., Elijah Putnam Ripley, Caleb Putnam Ripley and Sam Ripley, all of Portland, Me., Grace Ripley of Katy, Tx., and Simon Ripley of Athens, Ga.; her daughters-in-law, Patricia Ripley and Michelle Ripley of Athens, Ga., her great-grandson, Levi Carter Putnam Ripley of Portland, Me.; and her brothers, Gene Wilson of South Paris, Me., and Paul Wilson of Chipley, Fla. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Bernard and Lyla Wilson of South Paris, Me.; her brother, Elliott Wilson of South Paris, Me.; and her grandson, Jacob Putnam Ripley of Portland, Me.

A celebration of life will be held at Green Acers Baptist Church, Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 10:00 AM with Dr. Charles A. "Buddy" Parrish officiating. Burial will follow at Oconee Memorial Park. A remembrance also will be held in South Paris at a later date.

The family will receive friend from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Monday, June 9, 2014 at Lord & Stephens East Chapel, Athens, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Georgia Chapter, 4 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, Ga., 30346.

Lord & Stephens East is in charge of arrangements.