Jean Rippetoe

Jean Rippetoe, 95, of Midland, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Services will be at 1:00 pm on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Midland, Texas.  Interment will take place at 11:00 am, Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the mausoleum at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Jean was born July 23, 1930, in Sydney, Texas, to Garvin Borden and Ottis (Tot) Stailey. She attended grammar school in Sydney, then moved with her family to Brownwood, Texas, in 1940 and attended school there through her sophomore year. The family later moved to Comanche, where she graduated from Comanche High School in 1947. In high school she met Dean Rippetoe, fell in love and married on August 4, 1948.

Jean and Dean made their home in Comanche, where Jean worked as secretary for the Superintendent of the Veterans Vocational School and later at the State National Bank. While Dean served overseas in the military, Jean worked at the American State Bank in Lubbock, Texas. Later, while Dean was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base, she worked at the Spokane National Bank in Spokane, Washington. Their only daughter, Kaye, was born during their time in Spokane.

After leaving Spokane, they moved to Denver City, Texas, where Dean worked for Shell Oil Company and Jean served as secretary at First Baptist Church and later in the administration office of the Denver City Hospital. Dean was then transferred to Ozona, Texas, where Jean worked as secretary to the high school principal. In 1968, Dean was transferred to Midland, where Jean managed the Shell Federal Credit Union for 21 years before retiring in 1991. After retirement, Jean enjoyed traveling with Dean on business trips throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.

Jean was a born-again Christian and a faithful member of the Baptist Church. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Midland for 58 years and influenced many through her faith.

Jean is survived by her husband, Dean; her daughter, Kaye Cowden; her grandsons, Courtney Cowden, III (Susan) and Chris Cowden (Mandy); and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Borden Stailey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Midland, Manor Park or Hospice of Midland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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