Gwendolyn Lee Oglesby Rippey

Gwen Rippey passed away peacefully on August 19, 2018, at the age of 87. She loved life, loved adventure and most of all, she loved her family and her friends. She was a beautiful woman with a generous heart, a lovely lady who always found something she loved about each person she met and made sure to extend a compliment to build others up. She loved Don, the love of her life, her travel partner, her best friend and her husband of 40 years. After retirement as Vice President of Austin Community College, she and Don traveled the world, enjoying all that life had to offer and seeing all of God's creation whether in Italy, Alaska, Greece, France, Peru, China, the Galapagos, Colorado, Africa or at home in Austin. They loved each other deeply and found joy in all that life offered. Together again, now they dance with Jesus in heaven. Don preceded Gwen in death, as did her son, Al Hall, her sister, Betty Cota and brother, Albert Oglesby.

She was a loving wife, amazing mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, mentor, teacher, as well as a devoted and loyal friend to those who were blessed to know her. She was strength, she was love, she was peace, she was a friend to all she met and made everyone feel as though they will always hold a very special place in her heart. She was the essence of joy and would light up anytime a familiar face came into her presence. Life was an adventure to be lived with excitement, joy, purpose and not to be missed.

She was born on April 9, 1931, to Albert Oglesby and Bennie Ingram Oglesby of Forsan, Texas. She is survived by her sister, Margie Porter, her children, Gary Hall, Kim Hall, Kelley Harris and her husband Dan, 5 grandchildren and their spouses, Jason & Kristen, Sheree & Robert, Morgan & David, Jennifer & Krishna and Travis & Emily and 11 great grandchildren, all who adored her.

Her heart was full of love, encouragement and gratitude for all those who shared life with her at Longhorn Village. During the last stages of her life, she always had a kind word and thankful heart for anyone who offered even the least bit of assistance for her.

As a professional psychologist, she often provided counsel, wisdom and guidance, not only professionally, but also to friends, family and those in need.

She was a member of Austin Christian Fellowship where she worshiped weekly with family and friends. She loved the life messages and would often talk about God's love and plans for our lives.

Celebration of Life will be held September 9th, Sunday, at 1pm, Lake Travis Event Center, Weed-Corley-Fish, 411 RR 620 South, Lakeway, TX.