Montana May Goforth Rippley, 83, Elgin, ND, met Jesus on April 10, 2021 and found the glory of eternity as this beautiful meeting took her breath away! Her physical presence may no longer be felt, but her trademark quick-wit, her sassiness and "I love you's" will never be forgotten!

Born January 15, 1938, to John and Lillian (Sandal) Goforth in Butte, MT, Mom joined older siblings Beverly, Nancy, Bill and half- brother Emmett. Mom graduated from Butte High School in 1956 then earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from  Western Montana College in Dillon, Mt. Mom taught second grade in Scobey, MT before relocating to Outlook, MT where she continued to substitute teach while raising her four kids. Mom was our cheerleader at sporting events, critique at music festivals and speech meets, and proud mom of the 1 ^st place and 3 ^rd place winners at the local "Gong Show" competition one year.

Montana was known for putting everyone's needs before her own. Family was the most important thing to Mom, and she took extreme pride in hers. Montana's story now lives on with her children: Deborah Williamson and friend Ross, of Havre, MT;  son Charles Knipe and wife Sherri, Fort Madison, IA; son Carl Knipe and wife Christine, Casper, WY; and daughter Christine Gathright and her husband George, Elgin, ND. Though she often stated she was too young to have such a big family, Mom was very proud of her 14 grandkids, 16 great grandkids and one great-great granddaughter (quite the legacy she left!). Mom also leaves behind her oldest sister, Beverly, and many nieces and nephews who spoke very highly of their Aunt Monty.

With a devout feistiness that served her well, a trait "Miss Montana from Dakota" was well known for, Mom will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her!

Preceding Mom in death were her parents; siblings Nancy, Bill and Emmett; her husband Charles Knipe; Montana's first born son, John, who died in infancy, and husband William Rippley.

Tremendous heartfelt thanks to the staff at Jacobson Memorial Hospital Care Center in Elgin, ND, where Mom spent the last eight years of her life; thank you all for the care you gave Mom. Thank you to all the residents who laughed with Mom and became like family! And to Jim and Patty Zimmerman, thank you for giving Mom the best ride of her life!

We love you so much, Mom; until we meet again …

No public memorial services will be held.