Carolyn Lee Tripp

Carolyn Lee Tripp, Beloved Wife, Mother of eight cherished children, and “Grammy Bear” to 30 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, passed peacefully on March 10, 2026. Her final days were filled with song, prayer, gentle care and laughter.

Carolyn was born on July 13, 1941 to Charles and Leola Drake. Raised in Riverside, California, she was the oldest of seven children. Carolyn helped her mother tend to her five precious brothers and waited 18 long years for her sweet baby sister, Karia to arrive. As a teenager, Carolyn spent countless hours playing piano and developing her musical talents. She was very active in her youth group at church. Her young life was anchored in a firm testimony of Jesus Christ.

Carolyn studied Music Theory at Brigham Young University before meeting and marrying the love of her life, Richard Graham Tripp. Their shared commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ was foundational; their love of singing and dancing together made life sweet. We all have memories over the decades of Mom and Dad dancing cheek-to-cheek. The spirited swing dancing shifted to a waltz and much later, to a sweet shuffle in the kitchen.

Carolyn was a devoted mother to Nathan, James, David, Jenny, Lisa, Richard, Catherine, and Emily. Home was full of singing, dancing, and the smell of homemade bread. If God’s work is to love and teach His children, Carolyn spent her days doing God’s work; both in and out of her home. So many lives were enriched by piano lessons, talent shows, dance festivals, choirs, and countless one-on-one conversations. Carolyn taught early morning seminary and Sunday school at church for years. Her homemade muffins and doctrinally rich lessons had a lasting impression on the Bloomfield Hills Stake. She loved to nourish and teach, and that legacy lives on.

As a “health food nut” and part time disc jockey (Jo Mama!), our mother was clearly not afraid to be different. She was a bona fide Trekkie with a bookshelf full of Tolkien and Card. We remember her doing yoga decades before it was cool and sewing her own clothing because she couldn’t find anything she liked in stores. That bold influence is still felt today by all who knew and loved her.

During their senior years, Carolyn and Richard deepened their devotion to God and one another serving as full time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They left the comforts of home and family to serve among strangers who would become beloved friends in Nigeria, South Korea, and Kentucky. Leaving the children and grandchildren was an enormous sacrifice, but our mother served joyfully.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, her son David, her younger brother Robert, and her parents, Charles and Leola Drake. Throughout her life and shortly before her death, she frequently expressed her deep conviction that they would all someday be reunited.

Those wishing to honor Carolyn’s life and legacy are welcome to join us on Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 6740 Loughborough Ave, St. Louis, Missouri.

5:30 - 6:30 PM Viewing

6:30 - 7:30 PM Memorial Service

7:30 - 8:30 PM Celebration of Life

Those who are unable to attend in person can join us for the Memorial Service virtually by following this link at 6:30 PM CST.

https://zoom.us/j/93168509116