Ronald Dale Grippin

Ronald Dale Grippin died Thursday, February 7, 2013 at his home in Linden (Show Low) Navajo County, Arizona after a valiant struggle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. He was 75 years old. Ron was born on September 21, 1937 in Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona to his parents, the late Guy Leroy and Gertrude Joy (Pentland) Grippin. He graduated from Camp Verde High School and married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Parsons. Together, Ron and Mary raised four children and are the doting grandparents of 15 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. It needs to be said that Ron was an incredible father figure to his sons-in-law as well as his daughter-in-law. He and Mary were married for 55 incredible years and shared a whole lifetime of memories. After graduating from Arizona State University, with a degree as a soil conservationist, Ron lived and reared his family in several different locations, including: California, Winslow, Globe and Whiteriver, Arizona before finally settling in Lakeside. He worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Whiteriver for 26 years before retiring in 1992. Upon his retirement, he and Mary moved to Prescott, Arizona and finally back to Linden, where he has since resided. Ron was a man of imense knowledge and many talents. During his 75 years, Ron earned his pilot's license, took several trips to Alaska, was an avid hunter, rebuilt a Model-T Ford, raised cattle, and grew incredible gardens. Following his retirement, he turned photography into a profitable venture and built several houses, including his home in Linden and his home in Prescott. Ron leaves a legacy of being an honest, fair and hardworking man, with a non-judgmental persona and a heart of gold. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need, and anyone who knew him has counted themselves blessed to have known him. He will be sorely missed. Ron is survived by his wife, Mary Grippin; his daughters: Sherri (Chuck) Coplan, Peggy (Andy) DeSoto, Amy (Jeff) Young; his son, Joe (Ginny) Grippin; as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A special memorial service to celebrate Ron's life will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Blue Ridge Christian Center, 184 W. White Mountain Boulevard in Lakeside, Arizona. Following the service a meal will served at the church and everyone is warmly invited to attend. Ron's family has asked that instead of sending flowers that you spend time sharing your love with family and friends. As you do you will be forever blessed.