Lily Ellen (Johnson) Tripp, 94, passed away on March 6, 2011. She was born in Buckhorn, MO to Charles O. and Edna (Henson) Johnson on February 1, 1917.

She married Gale Tripp on January 15, 1943, while he was home on furlough from the Army. They didn't see each other again for three years. After he returned from the war, they were never apart and many said they were "two peas in a pod."

They spent 52 years together hunting and gardening at their home outside of Marquand, MO. When Gale retired, Lily worked with him in the sawmill. Their true love, however, was fishing. Over the years they caught bass, crappie, and perch and shared them with friends and family. The biggest fish Lily ever caught was an award winner! On July 8, 1970, she caught a Largemouth Bass that weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces. She was presented an award from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat and KTVI 2 in the Ozark Fishing Rodeo.

While God did not bless them with their own children, they were certainly loved by many over the years including numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews and the children of many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Gale; brothers, Edwin and Carl Johnson; and sister, Mae (Johnson) Tripp. She is survived by her youngest brother, Charles (June) Johnson, and her many nieces and nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

She was a member of the Big Creek Missionary Baptist Church.

VISITATION: 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Wednesday March 9, 2011 at the Follis & Sons Funeral Home.

SERVICE: 1:30 P.M. Thursday March 10, 2011 at the Follis & Sons Funeral Home

INTERMENT: Farquhar-Graham Cemetery