Julia Ann "Tootsie" Ripkowski

Julia Ann "Tootsie" Zaruba Ripkowski, a beloved member of the Dayton community, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, in Dayton, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 29, 1936, in Eastgate, she dedicated much of her life to serving her family, friends, and community.

 Tootsie graduated from Dayton High School with the class of 1954 and went on to have a distinguished career at Dayton State Bank, where she worked for an impressive 43 years. Her strong work ethic and commitment to service reflected her dedication to the community she loved.

 A lifelong resident of Dayton, Tootsie was a proud member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she served as church treasurer for many years and was actively involved with the Altar Guild. Her faith and community involvement were cornerstones of her life, and she cherished the connections she made through these endeavors.

 Tootsie found great joy in creating lasting memories with her family and friends. One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards with her friends, a pastime that helped to foster tight bonds with those she cared about. Her and her late husband, Buster, enjoyed sitting in their rockers, in the garage, watching their grandchildren play and wait for them to come get candy and a root beer.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, John "Buster" Ripkowski; her son, James Ripkowski; her parents, John Zaruba and Matilda Manak Zaruba; and her sister, Louise Adams.

 Tootsie's legacy lives on through her surviving family, which includes her daughter, Tina Ripkowski; her grandchildren, Jason, James, Makenzie, Lauren, and Elizabeth; her great-grandchildren, Masen, Paityn, Kaden, Blayne, Ash, and Kyli; nieces Sharon Davis, Karen Williamson and Laura Dorendorf; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

 Visitation for Tootsie will be held on February 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, with a Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Mass celebrating her life will take place the following day, February 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph's The Worker Catholic Church officiated by Father Peter Nguyen, SVD.

 Pallbearers will be Paul Jolly, Randy Ripkowski, Steven Ripkowski, Kaden Ripkowski, Daniel Ripkowski and Tommy Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Datel and Joey Adams.

 As we remember Julia Ann "Tootsie" Ripkowski, let us carry forward her spirit of love, service, and commitment to family. Her memory will continue to warm our hearts and guide us as we navigate life without her physical presence. Her legacy of kindness and devotion will not be forgotten.