Judy Kay Tripp

Judy Kay Tripp, age 82, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2026 at her son’s home in Pacifica, California.

Judy was born January 13, 1944 in Belle, Missouri to Vada Josephine Mallow and Luther Clarence Cook.

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 September 14, 1962. Shortly after they moved to Tucson, Az., 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.

She is survived by her son, Jason and three granddaughters: Maddie, Edie, and Cora of Pacifica, CA. 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.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Leroy, and a nephew Curt Cook.

Visitation for Judy will be on February 4, 2026 at Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle, Missouri from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with interment in the Liberty Cemetery.