Ann Prior Ripley slipped away peacefully in the evening of May 14, 2026, surrounded by family and friends. She put up a valiant fight against cancer, and if you know her, you will understand and appreciate that she was able to direct her life till the last couple of days.

Ann was born in Bozeman, Montana, on December 7, 1950. The second child of H. George and Dorothy Rhame Ripley, she was often a gift of impishness and fun, occasionally leading family members (especially her younger sister) on some interesting adventures.

Skiing for each of the Ripley children began at age 4 at Bridger Bowl, and was the major focus of every winter for the entire family. 4-H sheep, dogs, cats and horses were also wonderful parts of life in the country.

Following K-12 in the Bozeman schools, she worked a few summers at Camp Marshall church camp and as a guide in the Fenton Art Glass factory. Ann went on to MSU and joined the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After graduating, a trip to Europe preceded her first teaching job (2 years) in Poplar, MT. Then on to Helena where she taught Math (10 years) at Helena Junior High, including coaching girls track and basketball. All the while cultivating life-long friendships.

Following this phase in her life, she made a career change when she attended Hahnemann University (Philadelphia) and became a Physical Therapist. She initially worked in Missoula as a P.T. for several years, after which she returned to Helena to work in St. Peter’s P.T. department. By 2005, desiring more independence, she built her own private practice, Alpine Physical Therapy. In 2020, Ann sold her business to a friend and “retired”.

Ann had a wide and diverse circle of friends. To be included in her friend group was a gift. She was very spiritual and lived the teachings of Jesus. She nourished her relationships with contact, food, P.T., wise counsel, and love - always love. Having a belief in Karma, still she was surprised by all the expressions of gratitude and love from her many friends. She was authentically her very independent self - you always knew where she stood, and where you stood with her.

Over the years, Ann adopted many pets, often older, more unadoptable dogs and cats, as well as a rabbit. She also “adopted” and mentored people, some with different values than hers, yet she was there to help and be there for them to talk to.

Ann was an active member of PEO since 1997, with a strong desire to help provide educational opportunities for women. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the Montana Historical Society for many years. And, yes, more wonderful friendships.

Living a modest life-style, her one extravagance was the beautiful home she had built in 2014 on the site of her “tippy house”. She filled her home with gorgeous repurposed and refinished hardwood floors, family heirlooms, and meticulously selected furnishings. It was obvious to all that Ann cared deeply about how each and every part of this home was cared for.

Ann is survived by her siblings Joan Salusso (Steve), Carol Sisk (Robert), and Mills Ripley (Amy) as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Dorothy.

The family and friends would like to thank Ann’s wonderful neighbors for their love and extraordinary help. St Peter’s Hospice (especially Cheryl RN), the wonderful overnight caregivers provided by Lisa’s in Home Senior Assist, and her steadfast friends and family made it possible for Ann to live to the end in her home with her dog, Sandy.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 on August 22, 2026, at the Myrna Loy in Helena, with a reception to follow.

Memorial contributions in Ann’s honor may be made to the PEO Scholar Awards (peointernational.org) or the Montana Historical Society (PO Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620-1201).