Mary Bryan Ripley Mary Bryan Ripley August 12, 1924 - February 1, 2005 Mary Bryan Ripley departed this Earth on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, to be with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, her beloved parents and dear pets. Born and raised in Durham, N.C., this Southern lady never lost her accent or her compulsion to speak of the "War of Northern Aggression." Her delightful sense of humor has brightened many lives. While in Durham, Mary was employed at Duke Hospital as secretary to Dr. Robert Hein, director of the psychiatric inpatient services. She was also retired from Penn State, in State College. Mary loved to draw and paint, and would have attended art school if that had been possible. She greatly admired Norman Rockwell, Walt Disney and Grandma Moses. Mary's art projects included painting faces on pumpkins, illustrating calendars for the Senior Citizens Center in Bellefonte, and decorating envelopes. Mary's children and her love of God's creatures were her other passions in life. She was often seen feeding stray animals. Mary was the daughter of William Lyttle Bryan, of Durham, N.C., who built his own motor car. Her mother, Mary Alice Bass, of Virginia, died when Mary was only 10 years old. Her two brothers, William and Dillard, also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons, Edwin Terrell Williams and James Bryan and his wife, Marilyn. Mary's daughter, Mary Lynda Williams, also survives, as do Patricia Tobin and Peggy Woomer, Mary's "adopted" daughters. A grandson, Christopher Michael Dangle, and two granddogs, Patton Dillard and Jack, are left behind, as is her very dear friend, Bill Whitehill. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, at Bethel Church of the Nazarene, 3601 S. Atherton St., State College, with the Rev. Roy Hunter presiding. A light luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given either to Meals on Wheels, 205 S. Garner St., State College, PA 16801, or to PAWS, 1042 Benner Pike, State College, PA 16801. While a part of our world has been taken away from us, we smile to think of the meowing, barking and wagging of tails, and warm, long embraces that our Mother can now experience forever and ever. Arrangements are under the direction of Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral Service, 226 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Centre Hall. To sign the guest book or express condolences, visit www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com and click on obituaries. Published in the Centre Daily Times on 2/6/2005.