Evelyn B. Tripp

Evelyn Tripp:

Evelyn Beatrice Tripp (Wiitala) passed away peacefully in her Lake Oswego residence on December 4th, 2020. She was 94 years old. Evelyn was born on October 3rd, 1926 to William Eric Wiitala and Hilma Elviira Wiitala (Lind) in Gackle, North Dakota. She was the oldest of six children, three of which preceded her in death (Doris Grant, Gladys Beeler, and Melvin Wiitala). Evelyn married Foster Tripp (1913-1981) on December 6, 1945 and together they had one son, Dennis Franklin Tripp (1952-2005).

Evelyn was a hard worker, taking her first job at the age of 12 working for a minister and his wife cleaning house, cooking and taking care of their small children.  When her family moved to the Pacific Northwest, she took a job at the Portland Shipyard as a welder.  Later she worked in retail at Fred Meyer in northeast Portland until retiring in the early 1980s.

Evelyn lived much of her adult life in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon and spent her retired years caring for three of her grandchildren, Renae, Kevin, and Kellie. Known as “Mamma” or “Gramma,” Evelyn spent countless hours with her grandkids playing, chauffeuring, cooking, and cleaning. She was a selfless Grandma who could always be counted on for a ride to school, a game of Rummy or Skip-Bo, and a hot bowl of “Goulash.” Evelyn was fortunate to keep her health and wit well into her 90s, allowing her to attend countless birthday parties, sporting and school events, and holiday celebrations. Most notably, she was able to attend the weddings of two of her grandchildren, Kevin and Ashley in 2019 and Kellie and Nathan in 2016, and a surprise birthday that her family threw for her 92nd birthday. She loved her family fiercely and was full of life and laughter, even in her final weeks. Evelyn is survived by her brothers William (Bill) Wiitala of Newberg, Oregon and Earl Wiitala (wife, Vicki) of Cave Creek, Arizona; four grandchildren Renae Bloom (husband, Trent), Kevin Tripp (wife, Ashley), Kellie Jordan (husband, Nathan), and Samantha Casey (husband, Phillip); one great granddaughter Amber Casey; her daughter-in-law Donna Tripp; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life and Interment will be held at Rose City Cemetery in Portland, OR in 2021 when it is safe to gather. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Providence ElderPlace:

https://give.providencefoundations.org/portland/elderplace