The Life of Mr. Jonathan Huntington
LOUDON – Eleanor J. (Rippe) Huntington died at home, Oct. 17, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.
Eleanor was born to parents Henry A. and Edith G. (Downes) Rippe on Dec. 9, 1929, in Westport, Conn., her childhood home. She graduated from Staples High School. Following a tradition in nursing set by her mother and grandmother, Eleanor was a graduate of Grace New Haven School of Nursing. This legacy influenced her daughter Anne's choice to pursue a career in nursing as well.
She married Jonathan Huntington, husband of 63 years, on Sept. 25, 1954, at Green's Farms Congregational Church, her family's heritage church. Eleanor and Jonathan settled in Southport, Conn. where they raised their three children. A devout wife and mother, Eleanor served her community as a volunteer in many capacities: as room mother at Mill Hill School, as deacon and member of Green's Farms church's women's guild, and at Red Cross blood drives.
She and husband Jonathan continued operating her father's business, Rippe Farms, until 1976 when they decided to dig up their deep Connecticut roots and move to Loudon. Here they purchased Pleasant View Gardens and with the help of their two sons, they grew it into the third generation, nationally recognized growing operation it is today. Eleanor continued her commitment to community and church when she and husband Jonathan became members of First Congregational Church in Concord. She reprised her role as deacon and also served in many other charitable organizations.
After their retirement, they toured the country numerous times, enjoyed trips to various countries, wintered the colder months on Anna Maria Island in Florida and summers at their favorite family vacation spot on Horace Lake in Weare. She loved to cook and was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at family gatherings when they could sit around the family table, enjoying each other's company and good food.
Eleanor is predeceased by her infant son, Jonathan Sherwood; her parents, and brother, Robert D. Rippe. In addition to her husband Jonathan, she is survived by their three children: Jeffrey R. and wife, Erlyan of Loudon, Anne G. and spouse, Lorna Cohen of Holliston, Mass. and Henry L. and wife, Sharon of Loudon. She is also survived by their five grandsons: Andy S. Huntington, wife, Alyssa and their children Blair and Wells; Ben R. Huntington, wife, Sarah and their son, Mac; Jonathan S. Huntington, wife, Doni and their son, Everett; Henry L Huntington Jr. and Eric R. Huntington. She also leaves behind a brother- and sisters-in-law, their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews.
The entire Huntington Family wants to express their heartfelt thanks to her loving and generous home healthcare giver, Billie Blodgett.
Calling hours will be held Saturday, Oct. 21, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main St., Concord.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, Oct. 22, at 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 177 North Main St., Concord
A memorial service at Green's Farms Congregational Church, Westport, Conn. and interment at Oaklawn Cemetery, Fairfield Conn. will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor's memory to Eleanor Rippe Huntington Nursing Scholarship Fund at the University of New Hampshire Foundation, UNH Foundation, Elliott Alumni Center, 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824.