Veronica Riphenburg

Veronica Janine Riphenburg, 22, died Oct. 7, 2019, at Benefis Teton Medical Center in Choteau from complications of a severe traumatic brain injury she suffered in a vehicle crash in March of 2011. She was surrounded by friends and family at the time of her death. A memorial service is set for Saturday, October 19, 2019, at the Choteau Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home in Great Falls. There will be no graveside service and no luncheon. Veronica was born to Della Lemons Yeager and Joshua John Riphenburg in Great Falls in 1997. The first of her parents’ children, Veronica brought much joy and wonder into their lives. In winter, she wished for pink snow and was sent outside with a bottle of food colored water to make it pink. She loved animals and rocks, including her “pink” rock, which the family had to bring to Choteau with them when they moved. Veronica’s short life affected many others. She was well loved by her classmates, with whom she started kindergarten in Choteau and who continued to love and support her after the accident. She was a member of the Choteau Public Schools Class of 2015. She enjoyed taking trips and having adventures with her family and friends. Veronica is best known for her smile, complete with dimples that she shared with so many. She participated in the youth group at Choteau Baptist Church and went on a mission trip with them to Portland, Oregon. Veronica loved the outdoors and was a Girl Scout who attended Girl Scout Camp. Veronica was an honor roll student at Choteau Public Schools, enjoyed playing on their volleyball team, and participated in junior high tennis. Veronica also enjoyed Missoula Children’s Theatre, art projects, photography, playing clarinet in band, and riding horses with her grandmother and uncle. She loved to sing and dance, except when her mother beat her at Just Dance. Veronica’s fun-loving, adventurous spirit and sense of humor will be missed by many. After the accident, Veronica lived in long-term care facilities in Conrad and then at BTMC, where the medical providers, nurses, and all the hospital staff took very good care of her, and where her family and friends could visit her and spend time with her. She is survived by her parents, Della Lemons Yeager of Choteau and Joshua (Mallory) Riphenburg of Shelby; her siblings, Vanessa Riphenburg, Evan Riphenburg, Logan Yeager, Alex Riphenburg, Kaden Riphenburg, Adeline Riphenburg, Morgan Riphenburg, and Collin Riphenburg; her grandparents, Marjorie Myers Lemons of Cascade and Ray and Joan Riphenburg of Cascade; along with her aunts, uncles; and cousins. Veronica was preceded in death by her grandfather, Delbert Lemons Jr.; and her great-grandmothers, Lois Myers, Margaret Groot and Florence Riphenburg. Memorials are suggested to the Choteau Lions Club for help in resurfacing the tennis courts.