Jay Aaron Rypma

Jay Aaron Rypma, 87, beloved father, was called to his eternal resting place on Saturday, December 7, 2019. He entered this world on Friday, July 15, 1932 in Downs, Kansas to Emil and Ona Rypma. Ona passed away shortly after giving birth. Jay is survived by his daughter, Catherine Rypma-Dixon (Tom Dixon); son, Jay Rypma; granddaughter, Clarissa Dixon. He has two half-sisters, LouAnn Thoms and EmaLea Reust; and two half-brothers, John Rypma and Roy Rypma. He was raised by his grandparents, William and Mina Billings in Downs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cordelia; father, Emil; mother, Ona; and grandparents, William and Mina Billings.

He served in the United States Army 1953 to 1959; active duty from 1953 -1955 during the Korean conflict. Serving in the Army broaden Jay’s horizons significantly in many positive ways. The required military grooming was secure for life, the butch haircut and a clean-shaven face. Not sure if the Army failed Jay, or Jay failed the Army in learning how to cook. His family strongly discouraged him cooking. He may be the reason military food is called slop.

Upon returning to the United States, he moved to Alamogordo, NM with his uncle, Donald Billings and family. A couple years later he followed uncle Donald Billings and family to Cortez, Colorado. It was in Cortez where he met and married Cordelia (Valdez). They had two children, Catherine and Jay Micheal. Jay, Cordy, and Cathy moved to Farmington, NM in 1965. The following year Jay Micheal was born. Jay and Cordy remained in Farmington until their health required more assistance. In 2016 they moved to Rio Rancho, New Mexico to be near their daughter Cathy.

His service in the Army instilled a love of travel and expanded his love of the outdoors. While stationed in Germany, he was able to travel throughout Europe. It was on a trip to Switzerland he developed a love of mountains. His move to Alamogordo included a job as a park ranger in the Sacramento Mountains of Cloudcroft. In the late 60’s, Jay purchased a pop-up camper. He took his family on many adventures throughout the western United States, brief visits to Canada and Mexico. The adventures in camping lead to Jay’s love of fishing. Don’t worry, the fish were quite safe.

Jay was a great handyman and auto mechanic. He worked as a mechanic at the Texaco gas station in Cortez. He maintained the family cars willingly. He rebuilt his sister-in-law’s engine on her Mustang. His house never had broken or damaged items. The repairs were always completed satisfactorily. Jay converted the car garage into a master bedroom. He became a certified electrician so that he could be assured his work around his home was done appropriately.

Jay converted to Catholicism to marry Cordy. His family always joked that he was the better Catholic. Although Cordy had a strong influence in their children’s faith; he was the strict one. The last day of Jay’s life he was given last rites. He could no longer speak or open his eyes; yet aware of his surroundings. During the last rites prayer, when required, he attempted to do the sign of the cross.

Jay was a loving and dedicated family man. He went to the ends of the earth for his child. A couple of times were of great inconvenience to him. No matter, he was always there for them. He promoted education for them. He frequently told them money did not grow on trees and to use their head for something besides a hat rack. Both his children are in the finance/accounting professions. When his granddaughter entered his life, the sun rose and set with her. In those final months when dementia took more possession of his mind, his granddaughter’s wellbeing and routine were remembered and of importance.

Jay’s final wishes included being surrounded by his family. Jay left this world surrounded by family.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2019 beginning at 9:00 a.m. A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., followed by Mass at Church of the Incarnation, 2309 Monterrey Rd NE, in Rio Rancho, NM. Burial will follow at Vista Verde Memorial Park, 4310 Sara Rd. SE, in Rio Rancho.