Joyce Ann Ripley

Joyce Ann Ripley, 78, of South Pekin, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, at 11:57 pm, Saturday, September 13, 2025. Born on December 4, 1946, in Peoria, Illinois, to Marion and Ruby (Jackson) Porchie, Joyce lived a life filled with warmth, creativity, and devotion to her family and community.

Joyce was a member of the first graduating class of the new Manual High School. She dedicated many years of her career as a sales representative at Continental Cable in Pekin, retiring in 2012. A faithful member of the Southern Baptist Church, she found joy in her spiritual community. Her talents shone brightly through her quilting, crocheting, and sewing, creating countless clothing items, including wardrobes for the Frontier Auditorium. An accomplished painter, Joyce poured her heart into her artwork, bringing beauty to the world around her. Known for her kindness and welcoming spirit, she never met a stranger and touched the lives of all who knew her. Above all, Joyce treasured her role as a mother and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy and proudest achievement.

On June 23, 1990, she married Danny Ripley at Harvard Hills Baptist Church, and he survives her. She is also survived by her daughter Rebecca (Raymond Hagan) Gullette of South Pekin, three grandchildren—Ashley, Aaron, and Adam— one great-grandchild, Zackery Simpson and sister, Brenda (Frank) Lee of Forest City,

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her son Francis E. Gullette III, and her sister, Sharon Thurman.

Cremation has been accorded and burial will be at a later date in Taylor Cemetery, Vienna, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Appalachian Children’s Home, 1909 KY-3439, Barbourville, KY, 40906.

Joyce’s legacy of love, creativity, and kindness will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.