- 11144 Warwick Boulevard • Newport News, VA 23601
- Follow Us
Obituaries
Carol Duke Rippy
Carol Duke Rippy, 78, passed away peacefully Friday, January 21, 2022. Carol was born in Rocky Mount, NC on November 1, 1943 to the late Mary E. Viverette Duke and Henry Hardy Duke III. Carol had been a resident of Newport News and surrounding areas since 1946 and graduated from Warwick High School class of 1961.
She has always been very active in her community starting in high school and long after graduation by participating in social societies, pep committees and reunion planning. She was a head cheerleader for the Newport News Shipyard Apprentice School for a time, and she was the President of the local Return to Sender Elvis Presley Fan Club. Everyone knows that if she hadn’t married Ken, the love of her life, she would have given Priscilla a run for her money!
Once having children, Carol happily devoted her time to being involved and supporting their activities. She volunteered to do things such as working the snack bar at the baseball field, being a score keeper for games, and being a cheerleader mom. Later, she spent time cheering on her grandchildren at football and baseball games, swim meets, band concerts, and dance recitals. She was there to join in the excitement and take pictures for every high school dance and graduation, always standing there with pride on her face, and tears of joy and love in her eyes!
For those that knew Carol, you knew that she never met a stranger, always had a smile, and could easily be the life of any room she walked into. She was a true friend to so many, and absolutely devoted to her family. She would be there for anything you needed and was always sure to check on those she loved as often as possible. Her smile and full of life personality will be missed by many.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Ken; her parents Mary and Hardy Duke; her in-laws James and Lee Corbett; granddaughter Rachel Rippy, granddaughter-in-law Margot Johnston, brothers-in-law Wayne Rippy and Walter Vawter; and nephew William Robinson.
She is survived by her son Todd Rippy (Lisa); daughter Tracy Grady (Dennis); grandchildren Nicholas Johnston, Meagan Johnston, Kalyn Rippy Wilson (Zachery), Zachary Johnston, and Noah Johnston (Aja); great granddaughter Raelynn Wilson; and great grandson Carson Hamm; her sister Mary Jo Vawter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of her life will be held Thursday, January 27 at Northside Christian Church in Yorktown by Minister Larry Jones with the receiving of friends at 1:00pm and service at 2:00pm.
Burial will be at Peninsula Memorial Park on Saturday, February 5, at 11:00am for those who wish to attend.
Memorial donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
10 Comments
You are so missed my friend. I know you are with your beloved once again
Todd, Tracy and all the family l am Sooo sorry for your loss. She was always a gracious lady❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻
So, so sorry for your loss. Carol was a wonderful lady. Our deepest condolences.
It is such a shock to know you are no longer here my dearest friend, but I know you are in Heaven now with your loved ones who passed on before you. Our friendship goes back to pre-teen years and we have so many memories of wonderful times especially the summers we spent in Rocky Mount with your grandparents.
Sending love and hugs to those you left behind. You will be sorely missed by so many!
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN MY PRECIOUS FRIEND. ♥️♥️♥️
You will be missed and forever loved.
Todd and Tracy, it was such a shock when I heard that Carol had passed. She was always so full of life. Daddy always loved it when she came to Rocky Mount on business cause they would get together for lunch and catch up on all the family gossip. She will be sorely missed.
So sorry for your loss Tracy and Todd.
Your Mom was always upbeat, and a terrific person. Heaven has just been made brighter with her arrival.
Still a shock, won’t be the same without your loving personality, constant smile, and stories. One of kind for sure! Much love to the family.
I was so shocked to see this. Carol and I traveled together on our Elvis adventures many years ago. We stayed in touch via FB. She was such a joy and will truly be missed. Thinking of all the family. Sending hugs and prayers.
Our loss is Heaven’s gain! Carol was a wonderful, Loving, and caring person! She will be sorely missed by all of us that had the gift of knowing her.