Carolyn Louise CripeGOSHEN – Carolyn Louise Cripe, 84, Syracuse, formerly of Goshen, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021, with her family gathered around her.
She was born in New Paris on Nov. 25, 1936, to Charles and Pearl Vandermaas Cobb. At New Paris High School, Carolyn enjoyed playing drums in the band. After graduation, she worked at the Elkhart County Court House in the Health Department from 1954-1959.
Carolyn married Richard Cripe on Easter Sunday, March 29, 1959, and lived in Goshen while they raised their two children, Douglas and Jeannine. She was a member of Eighth Street Mennonite Church and helped with Vacation Bible School, funeral dinners, among other groups and activities. She also enjoyed singing solos and in small groups for church and other community events. As a volunteer, Carolyn helped with Red Cross blood drives and fundraisers for the Goshen High School band.
For many years, she entertained in her home Turtle Top dealers visiting from out of town, for Richard considered her a “silent partner” in the company. Carolyn was an excellent cook and was especially known for her delicious pies.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: Charles Cobb, Eugene Cobb, James Cobb: and her sister, Eleanor Morehouse.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Richard D. Cripe; two children: Douglas Cripe, of Elkhart; and Jeannine (Phillip) Tom, of Middlebury; four grandchildren: Shane (fiancé, Kerry Maloney) Tom, of Elkhart; Jonathan Cripe, of Washington, D.C.; Cassie (Jonathan) Clevenger, of Tampa, Fla.; and Rebekah (Brian) O’Donnel, of O’Fallon, Ill.; one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Louise Clevenger; and she was a “favorite aunt” to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will occur from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 31 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, Sept. 1, also at the funeral home. Rev. Brenda Sawatzky Paetkau, Eighth Street Mennonite Church, will officiate.
Burial will follow at Violett Cemetery.
*****
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eighth Street Mennonite Church or Oaklawn Foundation.
Online condolences may be shared at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com.
