Virginia A Tripp

She was born on August 2, 1942 in Pekin. She married Dale Tripp on September 1, 1961; they were married for nearly 54 years.

Whether tending to her yard or taking a long walk in the woods with her family, Virginia loved being outdoors. She was quick to point out the first flowers that bloomed in the Spring and took time to enjoy the smell of outdoors after a fresh rain. She also enjoyed cookouts and telling stories around a camp fire. She lived fully and laughed often; her sense of humor and love of practical jokes and mischief was known by all who knew her. She loved to care for people and never encountered a stray cat or dog that she didn’t help. She had a stubborn streak that made telling her no impossible and a contagious smile that lit up a room.

She was considered a second mom too many of her children’s friends while they were growing up; the house was always alive with activity and there was always room for one more. She enjoyed reading, a hobby that was passed on to both of her daughters; library books were always stacked in corners throughout the house. She read the paper each day and often clipped out articles that she found amusing to share with her family and friends.

She loved cooking; food was one more way she showed her love for those around her. She especially loved holidays, when everyone would get together for a long visit and wonderful meal. She loved shopping; trips were frequent and filled with laughter as the car became filled to the brim with bags. She also loved decorating; her husband would cringe when he would walk in the house to see a stack of wallpaper books; but he knew he may as well add the project to his list. She had the opportunity to build her dream home in the country toward the end of her life; clippings of ideas for floor plans were collected for years to guide the way. She built a house full of windows to allow nature and sunshine to be part of every view; when a deer or a cardinal came near the window she would watch in delight.

She encouraged her children to follow their dreams, imagine the impossible, and where there was a will, there was a way. Her husband was her soul mate and best friend; she truly was a devoted wife, mother, and friend to all.

Virginia is survived by her spouse, Dale Tripp; two daughters, Kami (Mike) LaVallier and Shari (Ursala) Tripp; one brother, George (Gloria) Litz; one sister, Charlotte Fries; and other family and friends.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruth “Nana” Litz; two brothers, Richard Litz and Robert Litz; and two sisters, Ruth “Sis” Lohmann and Susan Gebhardt.

A private family service will be held at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Judy Doyle will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pets for Seniors Animal Shelter at www.petsforseniors.org.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.