Dorothy Jackson Klippel, 96, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away Friday, December 12, 2025 at Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, NJ.

Dorothy was born in Kansas City, Kansas on April 29, 1929.

She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Rugh K. Klippel, parents William and Grace B. Jackson and her brother Donald W. Jackson, M.D.

Dorothy grew up in the College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. she graduated from Hughes High School in Cincinnati, and graduated from The University of Cincinnati. It was during this time that she met Rugh Klippel, a student at the Central Academy of Commercial Art in Cincinnati, and they were married on June 16, 1951.

Dorothy and Rugh made their home in several parts of the country over the course of Rugh’s long career with the J. C. Penney Company, ultimately moving to Basking Ridge in 1966. While Dorothy always enjoyed quickly becoming an active member of each new community, Basking Ridge truly became the place she was proud to call home for nearly 60 years. She was member of several volunteer organizations including the AAUW and served as a Co-Chair of the annual book sale. Involvement in the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church brought her to serving on various committees, as well as becoming an Elder and a member of the Board of Trustees. Her interests in the financial and operational matters led to her serving for ten years as the church Treasurer and Business Administrator.

In 2008 Dorothy and Rugh moved to Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge. This opened the doors to whole new opportunities for involvement and the creation of new friendships. In keeping with Dorothy’s experience and interests, she served as the Treasurer of the Fellowship Village Resident’s Association.

Travel with friends or family was a lifelong source of enjoyment. Visiting new cities, countries or continents always proved to be a delight and produced great memories.

Dorothy also leaves two sons: Jon Klippel, and his wife, Margaret Klippel of Basking Ridge and their sons Bradley (of Basking Ridge) and Alexander (of New York City) and David Klippel, and his wife Shirley Klippel of Basking Ridge and their son Paul Klippel and his wife Margaret and their daughter Sophia of Loveland, Ohio. 

A service of remembrance and celebration of the lives of Dottie & Rugh Klippel will take place Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11am in the sanctuary of the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, 1 East Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, the Somerset Hills YMCA, the FellowshipLIFE Foundation of Fellowship Village or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.