Eva Eudell Ripley

Eva Eudell Ripley, 94, of Abilene, TX, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, July 26th, 2021.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 pm on Thursday, July 29th at The Hamil Family Funeral Home at 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, TX. Rev. Jay Overbay will be officiating.

Eva was born on January 31st, 1927 in Greenville, TX to Lonnie and Jessie Pippin. Eva was a proud member of the Flaming Flashes Drill Team of Greenville High School, where she also fell in love with a multi-sport athlete by the name of Rip.

She later married James Leon “Rip” Ripley on February 17th, 1945.

Rip lovingly nicknamed Eva “Mud” after their young son Steve called her “Mudder.” Rip shortened it to a single syllable and, like mud would do, the moniker stuck. Eva instantly became “Mud” to all her friends.

“Mud” was a fitting nickname for Eva Ripley.

For 94 years, like most mud, this Mud was sometimes rough, sometimes messy, and sometimes hard to handle. Still, this Mud, like most mud, was also fun, calming, and supportive. Rip, who passed away this past October, absolutely adored this Mud, considering her the most precious of jewels, and dedicated his entire being to her through thick and thin. This Mud was charming, gracious, and loved to play host for gatherings of all sizes and occasions. This Mud sparkled and shined, was artistic and funny, and loved her family.

Only a handful of folks who knew her well, never referred to Eva as “Mud.” This group called her “Mamaw” – Mud’s family. Eva is survived by her daughter Becky Bearden and her husband Bob of Abilene, TX; her son Steve Ripley and his wife Jan of Abilene, TX; and her “adopted” son Harold Nutall of Plano, TX. Eva is also survived by her grandchildren - Emily Overbay and her husband Walt of Lexington, SC; Stoney Bearden and his wife Amber of Abilene, TX; Meredith Grunden and her husband Hunter of Aix-en-Provence, France; and Clayton Ripley and his wife Jennifer of Austin, TX. Nine others had the rare opportunity to spend lots of happy years with their great-grandmother – Jay and Jamie Overbay of Lexington, SC; Grayson, Jake, and Tripp Bearden of Abilene, TX; Grant and Josie Ripley of Austin, TX; and Layne and Sydney Grunden of Aix-en-Provence, France.

Eva was preceded in death by James Leon “Rip” Ripley, her husband of 75 years and her parents Lonnie and Jessie Pippin.