Cleo Hansen Ruppel

Cleo Hansen Ruppel, 92, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday, January 14, 2021 with family by her side. She was born February 25, 1928 at the family farm in Lakeview, MI. On June 17, 1950, Cleo married her husband of 30 years, Sam P. Hansen, Jr. He preceded her in death October 18, 1980. She married Chris Ruppel on June 6, 2009 until his death on September 5, 2019. Cleo was preceded in death by her husbands; parents, Albert and Inez Laper; brothers, Carl and Keith Laper; sister, Ruth Jensen; and son in law, Douglas Henry. Cleo is survived by her brother, Paul Laper of Hickory Corners, MI; children, Sue (Daniel) Reschke of St. Joseph, MI, Kay (Richard) Greene of Indianapolis, IN, Brian (Veronica) Hansen of Bangor, MI, and Diane Henry of Albuquerque, NM; nine grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. Cleo was a graduate of Western Michigan University and member of the Alpha Beta Epsilon Sorority. She began her teaching career in a one room country school in McBride, MI. Cleo taught for many years, in a substitute capacity, once her children were born. Her family meant everything to her; she was a wonderful mother. Cleo was a member of the Caroline Scott Harrison Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Stevensville United Methodist Church. A private family service at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, Pastor David Hills officiating, was held on Monday, January 18, 2021. Burial took place at Northshore Memory Gardens, Coloma. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant something beautiful in your own garden in living remembrance of Cleo.