Diane Leigh Raymond Tripp, 75, of Valdese, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at Autumn Care of Drexel following a period of declining health.
Diane was born October 5, 1948, in Lenawee County, Michigan, a daughter of the late Robert Lee Raymond and Doris Dolly Deo Raymond.
Diane dedicated her life to the doing of God’s will and was baptized in 1967. For the next 57 years she followed Jesus’ example and supported the local congregations in Michigan (Addison, Jackson, Adrian, and Dundee) and, since 1996, the Valdese, NC, congregation. She was privileged to be an international delegate to meet her Christian brothers and sisters in Hawaii, Canada, Italy, and Latvia.
Diane was an avid reader and arts and crafts enthusiast with a good sense of humor and spirit of generosity. She enjoyed outdoor activities such as skiing, horses, and gardening and was always ready to participate in sports of all kinds.
Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of forty-one years, Chris Tripp; son, Nathanael Tripp (Margaret) of Valdese; two brothers, David Raymond (Mary) of Adrian, Michigan, and Michael Raymond of Jackson, Michigan; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at 4 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 1628 Main St. E, Valdese, NC 28690 with Raymond Henry officiating. The service will stream on Zoom at 81479538758 with access code Heb1024.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at the Kingdom Hall from 3 PM to 4 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1628 Main St. E, Valdese, NC 28690, or AMOREM at 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the family.
All my interactions with Diane were positive. She laughed freely and was genuine in nature. One could not be down when around Diane as she exuded joy. Look forward to her return in paradise. My condolences to her family.
I got acquainted with the Tripps when Nathan was a student at Heritage Middle School. He was an exceptional student and Mrs. Tripp was a very supportive parent. I learned that they live in my sister’s neighborhood. The memories they hold in their hearts will see them through the rough times. God bless you all and may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
~~Debbie Britt (formerly Debbie Price when Nathan was a student at HMS.)
My husband and Iwere privileged to count Diane and Chris as some of our closest friends, as were our children. We enjoyed many happy times together. I cherish the items she so lovingly made for me with her crafting skills. And everyone in my family has a blanket Diane made for us.
While her lengthy illness was so hard to watch, our hope is to see her again in the resurrection as God has promised. Until then, sleep in peace and without pain my friend.
My deepest sympathy to the entire family who so lovingly cared for her.
I have only fond memories of my Aunt Diane as a person who was fun, funny, happy, quirky and simple (in a good way). She took childish delight in little things like board games and craft. She lived her life doing what brought her joy and through her hobbies she gave to and shared with others. Aunt Diane’s handiwork, in the form of fridge magnets, displays my daughters’ paintings in our home, so I have a daily reminder that she was here and that she made her mark on the world and on my life.
Diane was my older cousin by 11 years. Diane always expressed her affection in deeds, rather than words. She was very kind to me when I was in my early teens. She would invite me over to her apartment, and let me borrow her books. She often went ice skating with my younger sister and I, and took us to the movies. She took me to my first Chinese restaurant, a big deal in those days. As I didn’t have other friends to associate with, this attention was really appreciated. As we got older, our lives went in different directions and to different places. We didn’t have much time to spend together. But I have always been grateful for the interest she showed in me and the time she spent with me as a young teen..
Diane was my older cousin by 11 years. She was very kind to me, when I was in my early teens. Diane always expressed her affection in deeds, rather than words. For instances, she would invite me over to spend time with her at her apartment, and she let me borrow her books. She often went ice skating with my younger sister Sally and me. She took us to “the movies”. She also took me to my first Chinese restaurant – a big deal for me in those days! Eventually, she was my maid of honor for my wedding. As we got older, our lives went in different directions and to different places. We didn’t spend much time together. But I will always be grateful for the interest she showed in me and the time she spent with me as a young teen.
Diane was my cousin-her mom and my dad were siblings. Diane was always happy, joyful and full of energy. She brought light into the room and saw goodness in all. She was adventurous, smart, strong-willed, and silly. Lots of memories include her love of books, bike riding on the farm, her love of travel, amateur acting, and her enjoyment of creating things. She will be missed. Thinking of Chris and the entire family.
What a Beautiful Lady/Spiritual Sister ! She was Fun and always made me laugh .
It was my Privilege to know her , I have a few small gifts from her that I treasure ….
I cannot wait to help Welcome her Back and to sit and laugh with her again.
What a Wonderful Loving Husband she had in our friend Chris .
My Prayers are with him and the rest of her Family.
So sad to hear about Cousin Diane. Diane will always be remembered as a sweet, kind and happy person. The picture really represents Diane well with that smile. I have many fond memories of Diane on the farm and with her pony. I remember Dad (Bill Deo) telling us he would pick up Diane before school and walk her to class. When you would see Diane she was always interested in you, after the questions and jokes you’d finally get around to Diane. She was always about others . Many prayers to Chris and the entire family.
So sad to hear about Cousin Diane. Diane will always be remembered as a sweet, kind and happy person. The picture really represents Diane well with that smile. I have many fond memories of Diane on the farm and with her pony. I remember Dad (Bill Deo) telling us he would pick up Diane before school and walk her to class. When you would see Diane she was always interested in you, after the questions and jokes you’d finally get around to Diane. She was always about others . Many prayers to Chris and the entire family.
Diane was such a thoughtful person. She took an interest in me and my sister when we were kids providing us sleepovers and trips to the roller rink and to the movies. She was such a lively person and we always had fun with her. I love and miss her very much!
Diane was such a thoughtful person. She provided my sister and I with sleepovers as kids, took us rollerskating and to the movies. We always had fun with her. I love and miss her very much!
Diane was a good friend and I will always remember her smile and her laugh. One of my favorite memories of Diane was years ago when the two of us went with a group of friends to see Shania Twain in concert. We sang and laughed so hard that night…we had a blast! I treasure several little gifts Diane made for me over the years…handmade bookmarks, a piece of art she made of a beautiful bird, a pretty scarf…just little things to show she was thinking of me and cared. Those kind of gifts mean the most to me.
I look forward to seeing my friend again soon at the Resurrection. Until then it is a comfort to know she is in the safest place she could possibly be…in Jehovah’s memory!
Diane was my sister-in-law. I loved her as much as my own sister. She would go on trips with Dave and I, when she was single. We missed Chris, Diane, and Nathanial when they moved to N.C. I never saw her mad at anyone. She was a wonderful example of a spiritual sister and can’t wait to welcome her back in the new system.