Jean May Dreese, age 88 of State College, passed away Monday, February 20, 2017, at Mount Nittany Medical Center of natural causes. She was born, on June 18, 1928 to the late William Ezra Ripka and Nellie Almira Meyer in Bellefonte, PA.

Jean's dedication for family started at a young age. Both her parents had shown and instilled a love and importance of family in all five of the children. So, it was not a difficult decision for Jean that while in the eighth grade, she dropped out of school, and got a job, when money got tight. Being the eldest she wanted to be able to help buy the much needed coats for winter that her younger siblings needed. She worked at Autoport, Danks, and McClanahans before realizing that she enjoyed watching children along side of her mother in their home. After caring for around 180 children, that she could still remember names years later, she finally retired around the age of 75.

Family and friends were Jean's joy in life. She grew up camping, at the Hidden Valley campground, where she had made lifelong friends. Also during those summer months, on Saturday mornings, she enjoyed venturing out to yard sales.

No one had to ever guess where and with whom holidays would be spent. They were always celebrated together with her family.

Nothing could compare to the love she gave willingly to her family. Jean married, George Dreese on May 21st 1955. They were married for 15 years. She is survived by her two sisters, Darlene M. Ripka, and Phyllis L. (Ripka) Hertzog and sister in-law, Sally A. (Struble) Ripka; five grandchildren, Jessica L. (Weber) Bryan and her husband, Shawn, Dana D. Weber and his wife, Crystal, Ryan D. Weber and wife, Stacy, Heather R. (Smith) Knarr, and her husband Matthew, and Ethan D. Smith; her six great grandchildren, Mikayla, Hailee, Lorelei, Westin, Harper, and Maura.

Jean is preceded in death by her husband George Dreese; as well as her two brothers, John "Jack" W. Ripka, and Robert A. Ripka, and brother in-law, Kenneth C. Hertzog, and her two precious daughters, Donna K. (Dreese) Weber, and Robin R. (Dreese) Smith.

The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her over the last months.

Visitation is at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Service, 1034 Benner Pike, State College; Thursday, March 16th from 6-8 pm. Services will be officiated by Reverend Ann Graves at Faith United Church of Christ on Friday, March 17th at 11 am with reception to follow after graveside service.