Joyce L. Rippy, 79, of Sterling, IL, passed away on September 15, 2026, at CGH Medical Center. Joyce was born in Davenport, Iowa, on October 15, 1946, the daughter of Ernest and Gertrude Ellers, who preceded her in death along with her brother, Dave Ellers, and her twin sister and best friend, Joanne Wiggers. Joyce was a hard worker who devoted over 40 years to Wahl Clipper.

Joyce was strong-willed and stubborn, and just as incredibly generous and giving. She was honest to a fault, with no filter, and she would give her very last to help anyone in need. She put her family’s happiness and needs ahead of her own for her entire life. Life was not easy for Joyce — she faced heartache, personal struggles, and many health issues — but she never gave up and never complained. Her strength was quiet but extraordinary, and she carried it all the way to the end.

Family was the most important part of her life, especially her grandkids. They held a special place in her heart. She loved being a grandma, then a G.G. Her favorite way to show her love was through giving. Joyce loved to shop, and when she saw something she thought her grandkids would like, she got it for them. It was her way of saying, “I thought of you, I love you, I want you to have this.” Her love didn’t stop with her grandkids; she also cherished her great-grandkids. They gave her another reason to keep fighting and another person to love.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Jenny Rodriguez (Dan) and Tori Shelley.

Beloved Grandkids, Jordan Rodriguez, Adrian (Kyla) Rabadan, Reina Rabadan, Marcus Rabadan, Jesse Moncivais, Jenessa Moncivais; Great-Grandkids, Alecia Nichols (Rodriguez) Isaias Rodriguez, Saree Rodriguez, Lil Adrian Rabadan, Josiah Rabadan, Damian Rabadan, Azmariah Rabadan, Myra Larkin, Amira Larkin

To My Mom, I wish life had been kinder to you. I wish you knew how much you deserved:

To be happy

To be loved

To have peace

To put yourself first sometimes

You deserved so much more than life gave you. I should have said the words that mattered more often. I wish I could have taken away the pain you carried. I wish I could have fixed the things that hurt you and protected you from the things that broke your heart. I hope you know you mattered and your sacrifices didn’t go unnoticed. You lived a hard life, and you never gave up. I admire you.

Rest now, Mom. You can finally put down all the pain and struggles you carried. I love you, and I will miss you for the rest of my life. You were my mom.

Until we meet again,

Love, your daughter,

Jenny