Helen Marjorie Gephart
Helen Marjorie Gephart, 92 years old and wife of the late William A. Gephart, passed away on November 10, 2020 at the home of her grandson, Michael W. J. Ripstein and his caring wife, Linnea, in Springville, New York. Helen was formerly of Attica, NY but moved closer to her daughter's family in February of 2017 where she maintained her own apartment until a severe fall in April 2020 which forced her to reside with her grandson. Helen was born in Comstock, Washington County, New York on February 20, 1928 to the late Joseph J. Glessing and Helene Warner. When she was a young child, the family moved to Attica where her father was one of the original prison guards of the newly opened Attica Correctional Facility and where Helen married and raised her three children. Throughout her many years in the community she was active in her church as a religious educator, served as the 2nd Curator of the Attica Historical Museum and along with her late husband was a member of the Order of the Amaranth in which she served as an officer in the Grand Court of the State of New York. Educated as a bookkeeper she retired as such in 1974. Helen was a woman of many talents - she was an avid writer, poet, and artist. Her poetry was recognized throughout not only her community but across the nation. Recently, she published her book of poetry entitled "The Wildflower" for the benefit of the preservation of the First New York Dragoon Civil War Battle Flag by the Attica Historical Society. Her oil paintings, which she presented to many hang throughout the United States. Many remember her as an artist and creator of many unique cake designs, especially many bridal couples not only throughout Western New York but the entire state. Her greatest love of life was not only her children but her grandchildren and each Christmas as they grew up she would write Christmas stories she presented to them and later to their children. Her most precious time was spent with family. She used to say that her family was her legacy in life. Helen was the sweetest and loving woman to all who knew her. Helen is survived by her daughter, Anita M. Ripstein-Hayes (Richard) of West Valley, NY; her son, Jeffery J. Gephart (Kathryn) of Waterloo, NY; her daughter-in-law: Cynthia Gephart-Wootten (Philip) of Florida; grandchildren: Danita Rounsavill (late Roy) of Tonapah, NV, Jennifer Yancey (Todd) of Seneca Falls, NY, Michael W. J. Ripstein (Linnea) of Springville, NY, Brent W. Gephart (Josette) of Sewickley, PA, Jeffery S. Gephart of Geneva, NY and Cathryn Gephart of Victor, NY; nine great-grandchildren, six great-great granchildren with another on the way; her sister, Evelyn Norris (Ronald); her sister-in-law: Beverly Shaw as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband and her son, Frederick C. Gephart. As per Helen's wishes, there will be no Funeral Service. A private family burial will be announced at a later date. Memorials in her name may be sent to the Attica Fire Department, 11 Water St., Attica, NY 14011, the Attica Historical Society, 130 Main St., Attica, NY 14011 or to the Attica Baptist Church, 3 Prospect St., Attica, NY 14011.Obituary
Helen Marjorie Gephart, 92 years old and wife of the late William A. Gephart, passed away on November 10, 2020 at the home of her grandson, Michael W. J. Ripstein and his caring wife, Linnea, in Springville, New York. Helen was formerly of Attica, NY but moved closer to her daughter's family in February of 2017 where she maintained her own apartment until a severe fall in April 2020 which forced her to reside with her grandson. Helen was born in Comstock, Washington County, New York on February 20, 1928 to the late Joseph J. Glessing and Helene Warner. When she was a young child, the family moved to Attica where her father was one of the original prison guards of the newly opened Attica Correctional Facility and where Helen married and raised her three children. Throughout her many years in the community she was active in her church as a religious educator, served as the 2nd Curator of the Attica Historical Museum and along with her late husband was a member of the Order of the Amaranth in which she served as an officer in the Grand Court of the State of New York. Educated as a bookkeeper she retired as such in 1974. Helen was a woman of many talents - she was an avid writer, poet, and artist. Her poetry was recognized throughout not only her community but across the nation. Recently, she published her book of poetry entitled "The Wildflower" for the benefit of the preservation of the First New York Dragoon Civil War Battle Flag by the Attica Historical Society. Her oil paintings, which she presented to many hang throughout the United States. Many remember her as an artist and creator of many unique cake designs, especially many bridal couples not only throughout Western New York but the entire state. Her greatest love of life was not only her children but her grandchildren and each Christmas as they grew up she would write Christmas stories she presented to them and later to their children. Her most precious time was spent with family. She used to say that her family was her legacy in life. Helen was the sweetest and loving woman to all who knew her. Helen is survived by her daughter, Anita M. Ripstein-Hayes (Richard) of West Valley, NY; her son, Jeffery J. Gephart (Kathryn) of Waterloo, NY; her daughter-in-law: Cynthia Gephart-Wootten (Philip) of Florida; grandchildren: Danita Rounsavill (late Roy) of Tonapah, NV, Jennifer Yancey (Todd) of Seneca Falls, NY, Michael W. J. Ripstein (Linnea) of Springville, NY, Brent W. Gephart (Josette) of Sewickley, PA, Jeffery S. Gephart of Geneva, NY and Cathryn Gephart of Victor, NY; nine great-grandchildren, six great-great granchildren with another on the way; her sister, Evelyn Norris (Ronald); her sister-in-law: Beverly Shaw as well as several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband and her son, Frederick C. Gephart. As per Helen's wishes, there will be no Funeral Service. A private family burial will be announced at a later date. Memorials in her name may be sent to the Attica Fire Department, 11 Water St., Attica, NY 14011, the Attica Historical Society, 130 Main St., Attica, NY 14011 or to the Attica Baptist Church, 3 Prospect St., Attica, NY 14011.