July 18, 1938 – June 15, 2016
Funeral services for Keith L. Devilbiss of Rippey were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at the Rippey United Methodist Church. Visitation was after 1:00 Monday, June 20 at Hastings Funeral Home in Perry with family present from 5 to 8 p.m.
Words of comfort were by Reverend Paul Burrow. Honorary bearers were Gideon Devilbiss, Megan Van Roekel, Luke Van Roekel, Luke Blakeman, Melinda Blakeman, Elizabeth Blakeman, Jalean Crosby, Berthal Devilbiss and Barry Chayet. Casket bearers were J.D. Devilbiss, Mark Devilbiss, Norman Devilbiss, Gary Winger, Joash Devilbiss and Noah Devilbiss.
Musicians were Marjorie Vannatta and Brenda Roberts. Solos were, I Can Only Imagine and On Eagles’ Wings. The congregation sang, How Great Thou Art and Hymn of Promise.
Ushers were Dennis Ulrich and Kevin Hick. Interment took place at Rippey Cemetery. Following the service at the cemetery a luncheon was held at the Rippey United Methodist Church.
Keith Lavern Devilbiss, son of Berthal Lavern Devilbiss and Dorothy Marie Coffin Devilbiss, was born July 18, 1938 southwest of Adel in Dallas County, Iowa. Keith tragically died June 15, 2016 in an accident in Rippey. He had been cleaning at the city park and was on his way with his load of branches to dispose of it when his very untimely death occurred.
Keith attended rural school near Linden for five years and then Panora for a short time before the family moved to Rippey in November of 1950. Berthal and Dorothy became vital members of the community along with sons Keith and Norman.
Keith was a member of a fun- loving, very close class, graduating in 1956. They had just enjoyed their 60th class anniversary.
Keith helped with the additions to the Rippey School, and seeing his talents, his employer Roth and Associates sent him to brick laying school. He worked for Roth as a brick mason and then started his own business, based in Rippey. Keith was justifiably proud of his work on the Pella Hospital, a school in Knoxville, and many others, but none more so than the Rippey United Methodist Church. The beautiful wall behind the altar was his pride and joy. Keith was a member of the church and served as a trustee for many years. Keith has been called “Mr. Rippey” because of his untiring dedication to Rippey and his commitment to seeing Rippey flourish. Keith was a dreamer, in the best sense, wanting to rekindle interest in the community.
As is well known, Keith never knew a stranger. He indeed was a people person and that also meant that he genuinely cared for others, helping folks in any way he could. During the years, he was literally on the road, attending and presenting at AMWAY meetings. Keith was active in that endeavor at the time of his death, however, his love of brick masonry was at the top of it all. His family shares that many successful masons were trained by Keith. The school memorial at the site of Rippey Consolidated School is so beautiful and Keith worked diligently to see that it was done before the Alumni Party and Memorial Day. It stands as a memorial to Rippey’s School and certainly to Keith.
Foremost and most importantly, Keith loved his family. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren, adored his brother Norman and his family, and loved his parents. Rippey folks and others know how very much he loved his mother.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents and all of his aunts and uncles. Keith’s memory will always be cherished by his children: sons Kent Devilbiss; J.D. Devilbiss (Billie) of Blanchard, OK; Mark Devilbiss (Cindy) of Rippey; daughter Kellea Devilbiss (Gary Winger) of Minneapolis, MN; seven grandchildren: Joash Devilbiss; Gideon Devilbiss (Alexa); Noah Devilbiss (Katelyn); Megan Van Roekel (Luke); Melinda Blakeman; Luke Blakeman; and Elizabeth Blakeman; four great-grandchildren: Teagan, Bryant, Abram, Ezra, and one on the way; brother Norman of Cheyenne, WY; niece Jalean Crosby (Karl) of Great Lakes, IL; nephew Berthal Devilbiss of Laramie, WY; great nephews Colton and Hunter Crosby; great-niece Emilee Crosby; other relatives; and many, many friends of numerous grateful communities.