Virginia Jane Rippl

Virginia, age 96, was born on January 10, 1928, in Platteville, Wisconsin, to Addie Teresa Dobson Clark Russell and Martin McKenzie Clark. She was the youngest of four children and is preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Audley Clark, Quentin Bruce Clark, and Verlyn Evan Clark. 

She was married to Eldon Ray Hird on January 31, 1951, and is survived by three of their four children—Martin Hird, Victoria Sebastian and Jane Mitton, and two grandchildren. Their second son, Kelly Hird, died in 1984. She is also survived by her 3 nieces—Anita Daniell, Kay Clark, and Ginger Stephens, and two nephews—Gary Clark (Joyce) and Jay Clark (Kathy) and their families. 

Virginia was happily married to loving husbands Lavern Rick in 1982 and then after his death, to Don Rippl in 2000, both of whom predeceased her. 

Virginia was an active member of the United Methodist Churches in Blanchardville, Wautoma, and Madison. She volunteered at local and state chapters of Women’s Club of Wisconsin, worked at Wisconsin Power and Light, and enjoyed spending time with her extended families, which include her eight stepchildren and their families. 

Memorial ceremonies will be announced privately. 

Please do not send flowers. If you wish to send a memorial please consider Moments Hospice Final Wishes Fund (which provides non-covered items for needy patients) 5315 Wall Street, Suite 135, Madison, WI 53718.