Sanita Rita Cripe, 94, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at

Center for Hospice Care-Esther's House, Elkhart.

Sanita was born on April 26, 1929 in Elkhart to the late Pasquale and Antoniette (Catapano) Fiorentino.

She married her true love and best friend, Dean L. Cripe, on June 2, 1951 at St. Vincent dePaul Catholic Church. Dean passed away on August 19, 2018 after 67 years of marriage.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dean, a loving son, Michael Dean Cripe and brothers, John Fiorentino, Patsy Fiorentino Jr. and sister, Delores Miller, preceded Sanita in death.

Surviving are her four children, Deb (Tony) Kaehr, Diane (Tim) Krill, Jeff (Karen) Cripe and Stephanie (Tim) Yoder. Also surviving are her five loving grandchildren, Marissa (Paul) Kerley, Ashley (Jason) Gardner, Chelsea (Matt) Dietz, Lindsey (Michael) Rangel, Christian Yoder; and nine great-grandchildren, Aiden, Reagan, Greyson, Reid, Addison, Blakely, Roman, Sophia, Ryan; and a brother, Tony (Nancy) Fiorentino.

Sanita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and loyal friend to many. She had a lifelong friendship with Mary Lucchese.

Sanita was a former member of St. Vincent's Parish and later joined St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol. She was a woman of great faith and a caregiver to many of her family over the years.

Sanita was a member of Delta Theta Tau sorority for more than 50 years and was a wonderful cook and baker, known for her cookies and pies.

The amazing life of Sanita R. Cripe will be celebrated beginning with visitation from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. Elkhart. A Rosary will conclude the evening.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, with an hour of visitation prior to the Mass at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 401 E. Vistula St. Bristol. The Rev. Robert VanKempen will officiate.

A luncheon will immediately follow the mass in Annunciation Hall, then proceed to St. Vincent Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest next to Dean and Michael.

The family kindly request memorial donations to the Hospice Foundation of Mishawaka or the church.

Condolences may be made online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.