Mary Virginia Rippetoe Currence, Higgins

I have to start this by telling you I know very little about my big sister. I looked up to her and she was my idol and high on the pedestal. Mary Virginia was born in Clothier, W. Va. July 1, 1916. a beautiful baby with the bluest eyes ever! For 5 years she was the apple of Fafa's eye. then Helen arrived and 2 1/2 years later The twins, Ruth and Curtis, were born in Richwood, W.Va. where the Rippetoe Motor Co. started. Grandfather George Alexander ,his two sons, Curtis and George Willow ran the business. the story is their good friend, prominent resident, took them to the cleaners. Can't remember the name.(just as well) must add here about me asking Sessy not too long ago what it was like with 3 little ones interrupting. She said she hated it and Nana had her babysitting alot. Guess that's why she was such a good Mommy. She was the intelligent one in the family.she played the violin in the school orchestra hi school)Made straight A's and very popular with the boys. Her name under her hi school picture says "Heavenly eyes". The picture I have are scenes from a young 8 yr younger sister. such as peeking out the upstairs window watching her leave with a date. One was Jack DeBell in his light blue convertible.He gave her the pretty ring that I showed off and later Mary Alice has it. Sessy went to Virginia Intermont in Bristol, Va. to college . She met her best friend Tilgman and she was her attendent at Jarfly and her wedding. After Jarfly entered the picture , he was in Med school and then the Army. traveled around until he left for overseas with the 10th Mt Div. I drove down to Austin Texas with 2 little ones. Mary Alice and Bill (he was still in diapers.)After he left Sessy didn't have anyplace to go so she stayed there and talked me into going to Univ of Texas. I loved flirting with all the boys in uniform. Fafa came down on bus and drove us back to Charleston. She was a real clothes horse and loved the exotic, unusual look.After Jarfly's tragic death,she worked and ended up being a top real estate broker. In Myrtle Beach, she sold the BIG stuff. buildings etc. She met Buck Higgins in Myrtle Beach and love was in bloom again. they made life exciting for both.she was a known hostess, started golf and had a fabulous time . loved her yummy recipes and was a gracious hostess entertaining alot.she was sooo organized. she kept a record of every dinner she had, where and what flowers she used. cost of everything. perfect records. so disciplined. she sent me a tape 35 yrs ago that she bought when she was at the Maine Chance Beauty Spa. in Phoenix with her lady friends. She convinced me it was a must and I'm still doing them daily and she did too. I can't say enough about this loving, gracious lady she grew up to be. This is where Mary Alice, Bill and Hokie can add on to help us know more about this special lady. Let me know what I have left out. love those Rippetoe's..

Anna Dorsey Rippetoe

I have so many adjectives to add to her name don't know where to start. First she was one of seven children to Sam and Mary Frances Dorsey.3 girls and 4 boys. would like to talk about each one but today is Anna's turn. she was born in Lizemore, W.Va. in Clay co.( I dare you to find that on the map} they didn't have much but they didn't know that! I have a 3/4 bed in basement that was theirs with the cord to use as springs (had a mattress made) the earliest I remember hearing about was when she taught school and the boys were bigger then she and how brave she had to pretend. Anna was very talented. she did everything and loved what she did. She delivered mail on horseback. there is a snap of her riding side saddle and looking very glamorous. She made ladies hats. with the wide brims and fluffs. sold those. In the meantime she was busy with a family of four. Mary Virginia was first then Helen Frances and 2+ yrs came along twins Ruth Anna and Curtis .We lived in Kanawha City, Charleston WVa the depression reared its wicked back and Anna and next door neighbor made lunch (soup,sandwiches cookie,drinks,etc)and carted theat to Chamblain Grade school where we were. I was so proud that MY mother did that. the smell in the hall was wonderful. then we moved to Washington St and she moved mountains again. Anna walked to the state house and had a job as a file clerk. She made so many friends. they took all there troubles to her and she made them feel better. even brought some home for lunch. Her big name to fame was her renting rooms. She had tourists (theyhad few hotels then)truck drivers, summer travelers, and they all came back. during the war she had a scary experience. she had a navy boy and she invited him to share the swing on front porch and while talking she mentioned a valuable gun she had in her room. Next morning it was gone and that was the end of her sharing .Bill brought aa parachute home from the war and gave it to Nana. She made silk blouses and the Diamond Dept store paid her for that. they were beautiful. she made three daughters clothes and everyone thought we were rich to have so many outfits. Thank goodness we shared with each other. Ginny had a gorgeous pink angora sweater that was a little hard to bargain with her. Can you believe in her late seventies she bought a house and made a duplex and rented the other half. I guess that tells you all how she managed to send four children to college. She was so talented and loving. she was the grande dame of the neighborhood and friends kept in touch withher all her life. Helen and Bob named their son John Rippetoe and Lynn her daughter Katherine Dorsey so we dare them to keep the reputation going. Now, I am waiting to hear from a Rippetoe out there. Waiting to hear from the Currence's Haynes,and Walker families. enough for now but remember, I love you all to pieces Ruth RIPPETOE Green