Judy Kay Tripp, 82, passed away peacefully on Jan. 4, 2026, at her son’s home in Pacifica, Calif.
She was born Jan. 13, 1944, to Vada Josephine Mallow and Luther Clarence Cook in Belle.
After graduating from Belle High School in 1962, she started her career as an administrative secretary at Kingsford Charcoal. Judy loved the duties of her job especially the social interaction and taking notes in shorthand.
She was united in marriage to Dwayne Glenn Tripp on Sept. 14, 1962. Shortly after they moved to Tucson, Ariz., where they were blessed with a son, Jason Glenn Tripp on May 31, 1971.
Judy eventually moved back to Jefferson City with her son, Jason, and resided in Holts Summit, Missouri. She spent several decades of a long career working for the Missouri State Parks. She especially loved her time working with Booker Rucker in the Historic Sites Program. Once again, she loved the work and social interaction. Also, she enjoyed going to visit the state parks and seeing the historical sites.
Outside of work, Judy loved to walk. She used to walk through the halls of the Missouri capital building in Jefferson City in order to have stairs to climb. She also loved to bake; all of the family looked forward to Christmas and her homemade cookies.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Vada and Luther; brother, Leroy; and nephew, Curt Cook.
She is survived by her son, Jason and three granddaughters, Maddie, Edie and Cora of Pacifica, Calif. Other survivors include Jo Tashima Cathy Herigon (Jerry), and their sons Travis Herigon, daughter Vivian, Jeremy Herigon (Cori) and children Jake, Cayt, and Drew, and Joshua Herigon.
Visitation was held from 10 until 11:00 a.m., (today) Feb. 4, followed by funeral services at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle. Interment was in the Liberty Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
