Sandra J. Ripsom-Brukker

Sandra J. Ripsom-Brukker of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2015at Plainwell Pines Nursing Home, Kalamazoo, MI. Sandra was born May 8, 1936 in Wood River, IL the daughter of Alfred and Ruth (Hamilton) Thallman. She graduated from East Alton Wood River Community High School in 1954 and received her Bachelor’s as well as Master’s Degrees from Illinois State University. Sandra taught school at Bloomington Public Schools, District #87, from 1967 at Bent, Stevenson, Irving and Centennial schools, retiring from teaching in 2003. She served two terms as Bloomington Teacher’s Union President. Sandra attended Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington and often participated in working mission trips to various locations, including South Africa and Alaska. A devoted and accomplished artist Sandra was active in designing and painting banners and programs for various women’s meetings at the church. Sandra was very involved with the American Red Cross, being involved in the post Hurricane Katrina cleanup in southern Louisiana and visiting area nursing homes taking along her dog, Max. She was an avid pianist and played in chimes a local group. She loved playing tennis, knitting and sewing and watching the ‘Jeopardy’ game show. Sandra was adventurous and liked to camp and travel. She spent many summers in the Western United States and along the West Coast. She earned her private pilot’s license in 1985. She bravely battled cancer throughout her life. She was united in marriage to Robert Brucker who survives. Also surviving are four sons, Thomas (Karen) Ripsom of Mt. Prospect, IL, Stephan Ripsom, Fisher, IL, daughter, Theresa (David) Scott of Plainwell, MI, Daniel Ripsom of Sheboygan, WI, Douglas Ripsom of Gaithersburg, MD; sister, Beth (David) Wisted, nephew, Al Steele of San Pedro, CA; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Stephan Ripsom. A get-together to celebrate Sandra’s life will be held Friday, August 14, Breckenridge Clubhouse, 1001 White Eagle Dr. Bloomington, IL, at 6:00pm. Her ashes will be buried at the cemetery of her family, Hug Cemetery in Pocahontas, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to The Heifer Project or World Vision. Arrangements by Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East "G" Avenue Parchment, MI 49004 (269) 349-7735. www.redmondfuneralhomes.net