Ross Loren Ripple

Lifelong Alaska resident Ross Loren Ripple, 23, died Sept. 5, 2011, in a car accident in Wasilla.

Ross was born Dec. 15, 1987, at Elmendorf Air Force Base Hospital and was raised in Eagle River. He graduated with the first class at Eagle River High School in 2006. At the time of his death, Ross was employed by CH2M Hill and worked on the North Slope.

“If a man is measured by how much he is loved and the joy and laughter that he brings to others, then Ross filled to the brim, literally, every inch of his 6-foot, 8-inch frame. A loving and close-knit extended Alaskan family and countless friends can attest to his generous nature, ready smile and gentle giant hugs. The void he leaves behind will be oh so difficult to fill,” his family wrote.

He is survived by his “Papa,” Loren Ripple Jr., and stepmother, Tana; his mother, Kaye Nelson, and stepfather, Lars Nelson; beloved sisters, Renee Gonzalez and Rendy Ripple; and his devoted brother, Reagan Sawyer, all residing in Alaska; his maternal grandfather, Kermit Ketchum of Wasilla and paternal grandmother, Gina Ripple, of Kankakee, Ill.; his nephew, Bailey Gonzalez, and niece, Avalon Sawyer-Hodgins; step-siblings, Ruby Nelson and Cassandra, Kylie and Jarred Yanez; and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Anchorage, Kodiak and the Lower 48.

Preceding him in death was his maternal grandmother, Virginia Ketchum, and paternal grandfather, Loren Ripple Sr.

A celebration of life is at 3 p.m., Sept. 11, at the Elks Lodge in Eagle River.

Anchorage Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.