Estell Rafferty Ripley

Estell Rafferty Ripley, 93, of Forest passed away on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.

She was born on June 21, 1932 in Amherst County, daughter of the late Asa M. Rafferty and the late Nellie W. Rafferty.

Estell was a graduate of Lynchburg General School of Nursing after which she obtained her BSN from Lynchburg College. She spent her life serving the state and local communities as witnessed by her dedication to nursing, having retired as the Director of the Emergency Department of Centra Lynchburg General Hospital.

Estell was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin H. Ripley as well as eight brothers and sisters, James Rafferty, Charles Rafferty, Everette Rafferty, Fred Rafferty, Tommy Rafferty, Nellie R. Dryden, Marie R. McCallister and Joyce R. Crostic.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Robbie R. Hodges (John) and Joan R. Smith (Jeff); four grandchildren, Natalie Smith (Oscar), Allison Smith (Jim), Valeri Richards (Brandon), and Jamie Rice (Pete) as well as five great-grandchildren, Jeffery de Jesus Gutierrez-Smith, Sara Joan Gutierrez-Smith, Julia Estell Downs, Josie Michelle Richards and Austin Marie Dellert. She is also survived by a special cousin, Les Blondino Sr., and his wife Linda.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 12:50 pm on Monday, August 25, 2025 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel where a Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 pm with Reverend Charlie Johnson, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.

If you so desire, memorials in Estell’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.