Elizabeth L. Ripa

Elizabeth L. Ripa

March 2, 1961 – November 17, 2022

Preceded in death by siblings: Francine, Dennis, Kevin, Irene, Mary, Rick, and Larry.  Survived by loving husband, James J. Ripa; children, Amber Ripa and Ashley Mahoney (David); granddaughter, Kellen Elizabeth; siblings: Georgeann, Mike, Tim, Caroline, Becky, James F. Jr., Ronald, Geri, and Pat.

Elizabeth “Betty” Ripa was born to James and Lorraine O’Neill on March 2, 1961, in Omaha, Nebraska.  Betty was the 7th daughter of 17 children in the O’Neill family.  A graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes and Archbishop Ryan High School, Betty went on to graduate from Clarkson College of Nursing in the early 2000s.

Betty met the love of her life, Jim, as a teenager, and they married on October 10, 1980. The two loved to travel and spend time with family and friends.  As a couple, they loved adventures, both large and small.  Whether it was joining a bowling league with friends, attending a UNO Hockey game, traveling to Hawaii, or just sitting on the deck listening to music, laughs were always found, and memories were always made.

Betty and Jim, who were happily married for 42 years, went on to have two children and one grandchild.  The family enjoyed numerous vacations, Sunday dinners, and countless laughs.  Betty is survived by her loving husband, Jim; daughters: Amber Ripa and Ashley Mahoney; son-in-law, David Mahoney; and granddaughter Kellen Elizabeth Mahoney.

Betty always loved caring for children and ran an in-home daycare for over 20 years.  During that time, she cared for numerous nieces, nephews, and children who became like family.  After graduating from Clarkson College, Betty worked as a Nurse at Clarkson Hospital before eventually returning to her passion for working with children.  Betty found her second home working as a School Nurse at King Science Center in the Omaha Public Schools.  For over ten years, she was able to enjoy the energy and excitement of working in the school.

Betty loved cooking, though she was most famous for her cookies, hosting family gatherings, and cherishing her time with her granddaughter, Kellen.  She was known to go out of her way to make sure everyone had a place to go for the holidays.  Hosting a dinner for 60 was a challenge she truly enjoyed.  Her sense of humor and infectious laugh made people feel welcome and at home.

On November 17, 2022, Betty was reunited in heaven with her parents, James and Lorraine O’Neill; her brothers: Dennis, Kevin, Richard, and Larry; and her sisters: Francine, Irene, and Mary.

VISITATION: Tuesday, November 22, 2022, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 9602 “Q” St., followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7 p.m. with Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at 10 a.m., at St. Gerald Catholic Church.  Interment, Calvary Cemetery.  Memorials will be directed by the family.