Pamela Van Riper

Pam Van Riper, age 50 and an adored mother of four, passed away peacefully at home with her family on June 12, 2023. Though she had been diagnosed with brain cancer more than three years earlier, she chose to continue to live, clearing each hurdle as it came and just getting on with her life, cherishing her family and friends. Her positivity and determination never wavered. Pam was born October 27, 1972, in Toledo, Ohio, later graduating from Sylvania Northview High School and Ohio Wesleyan University, where she ran track and majored in politics and government. At OWU, she also met her future husband, Ned. They married in November 1998 in Sylvania. After Pam worked five fulfilling years in state government, their first son, Cole, was born, and she and Ned settled in Powell to raise their family. Jack, Reed and Eden soon came along and Pam’s heart was full. In 2017, she returned to work with Olentangy Schools, as a specialized learning center assistant, furthering her impact on children. Everyone always loved Mrs. Van Riper, whether they were neighbors, friends or students. More than anything, Pam loved being a mom, and her world revolved around her kids. She loved family adventures—field trips, bike rides, long walks in local parks, trips to the zoo, ski trips, beach vacations and so much more. She had a soft spot in her heart for animals, and adored her pets; Rosie went with her everywhere. And as everyone whose life she touched knows, Pam was always genuine and caring. She loved to laugh, had a huge sweet tooth, and always had a smile at the ready. Pam is survived by her beloved husband, Ned; children, Cole, Jack, Reed and Eden; parents, James and Kristin Jeffery; sister, Jill Biggs and her husband Bill; brother, Tom Jeffery and his wife Andrea; mother-in-law, Barbara Van Riper; brother-in-law, Philip Van Riper and his wife Danielle; and nephews and nieces, Mason, Tyler, Billy, Kenny, Brooke, Sloan, Scarlett and Julian. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at 11am, at Powell United Methodist Church, 825 E. Olentangy St., Powell, OH 43065. In lieu of flowers, donations may made in Pam's name to, Friends of Metro Parks: https://metroparksfriends.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/metroparksfriends/donation.jsp .

Pamela Van Riper

October 27, 1972 - June 12, 2023