Vic and Connie Bivens, 1182 Oak Grove Road, Madisonville, announce the engagement of their daughter, Serena Ruth, to John Michael Ripley, son of Connie Ripley, 100 Love St., Gray; and the late Ken Ripley.

The bride-elect is a 2012 graduate of East Tennessee State University, where she received a doctorate of physical therapy. She attends Gray United Methodist Church.

She is a granddaughter of Jim and Wanda Lovingood, Madisonville; and Jarvis and Yolba Bivens, Vonore.

Her fiancé is a graduate of University of Tennessee. He is employed by Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency as a wildlife officer. He is a member of Gray United Methodist Church.

He is a grandson of the late Nolita Ripley, the late Delma Ripley, the late John Warden and the late Wanda Warden.

The couple plan a private wedding for 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013, at Gray United Methodist Church, Gray.