Eleanor Tripkos White
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Eleanor (Ellie) Tripkos White, 92, went to be with her Lord Jesus Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas. She had a special time on Saturday with her kids and their spouses where a family photo was taken at Bridge Haven Memory Care Residence where she lived. Monday morning she had a massive stroke and became non-responsive.
The family will greet friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. prior to a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Lawrence Fee Methodist Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave, Lawrence, KS. Burial will follow at Prairie Center Cemetery in Prairie Center, Kansas, South of Eudora, KS.
Eleanor June Tripkos was born on December 14, 1924 on the family farm in Johnson County, near DeSoto, Kansas the daughter of William T. and Mary Ann (Green) Tripkos. Her siblings included brothers Raymond and James (Jim) Tripkos, and sister, Wilma (Jean) Maness who preceded her in death.
Ellie met the love of her life, Roger L. White, at DeSoto High School as a freshman. After graduating from high school in 1943, Ellie and two girlfriends moved to a small apartment in Kansas City, KS to work as “Rosie the Riveters” at the North American Airlines plant. Roger and Ellie were married May 11, 1944, three months before he was deployed by the Navy to Hawaii and Japan for two years. During this time Roger’s parents attended the Lawrence Friends Church and would take Ellie to church and revivals. It was at one of these revivals, in 1945 that Ellie gave her life to Christ.
While Roger was in the service Ellie worked as a bookkeeper at a local Automotive Parts store. After Roger returned they started their family, and in the evenings and weekends built several houses and duplexes together. In 1953 she supported Roger as he started E and E Specialties and was the bookkeeper for several years.
Grandma Ellie loved her family and the Lord. She read her Bible often and prayed for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a gracious hostess and was always serving her large family and others in her home.
She was a member of Lawrence Free Methodist Church and served in various ministries including MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) and the Flower Committee, providing flowers for the church sanctuary, new mothers and the ill often from her own flower garden. Before 1979 she was a long-time member of the Lawrence Friends Church where she was active in teaching children’s Sunday school. She helped start Lawrence Christian Women’s Club in1968 and helped organize and recruit leaders for 26 Bible studies in Lawrence, Linwood, Eudora, and Perry, KS.
Roger and Ellie were married for 50 years before he passed away in 1995.
Survivors include her daughter, Kathy Schmidt and husband Rick, Lawrence, and three sons, Ed White and wife, Peggy, Lawrence; Keith White, Haviland, KS; and Paul White and wife, Kathy Wichita. KS; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Hope S. White and grandson, Caden M. White.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Camp Quaker Haven where Ellie’s husband, Roger, and three of their children made decisions to follow Christ. These may be sent in care of Warren McElwain Mortuary.
My how she was a lovely lady and you all explained it very well in this obituary. She was a great person and I cherish my years I had with her at Friends Church and how she inspired me in so many many ways. When I read you contributions to Camp Quaker Haven it bought tears to my eyes. Oh My great wonderful memories of going there to camp. I am just sorry I did not keep in contact with your mom. Much love to all Mary
Grandma Ellie always had a warm smile and exuded gentleness and joy. I’m so thankful she was in my childhood church life. Several of her grandkids were tremendous friends through grade school, middle school and high school and continue to be today. What a beautiful woman with a lovely legacy!
I grew up across the street from Grandma Ellie’s son Ed and Peggy White and my parents are still their neighbors some 40+ years later. Grandma Ellie was whenever I saw her just a sweet and cheerful person with lots of love to give. She always seemed proud of her strong family and it is easy to see why they were such a blessing. I know she will be greatly missed but I am also confident that her faithfulness has given her a crown of jewels in heaven!
Ellie was such a wonderful lady. She loved the Lord and her family and gave so much to all who knew her….she will be greatly missed by so many. Prayers and hugs to the family.
To Eddy & Keith who I knew well as we all grew up, And also the rest of the family as well, your mom was a sweet lady and I know will be missed. Many years & memories we all had & shared from our years spent at the old LAWRENCE FRIENDS…
We are both so sorry for your loss…
With love from both of us, Dave & Jean Affalter / Lawrence
May Ellie’s memory be a blessing to you all. Ellie and Roger and the whole family are a case study in community stewardship–business community, church community, neighborhood community, and the list goes on. I’ve always been grateful that the White family provided important opportunities for me personally and for many, many others, as well. I know Ellie played an important role in making all of that possible. Rest in heaven…
I was saddened by this news. Miss Ellie was such a good person and was always kind to me. I’ll be sending my prayers to the family. She’s in heaven with Roger now!
From a young child, I remember loving the glint and sparkle in Mrs. White’s eyes. So glad that she is now healthy and whole and in the presence of her Savior!
Ed, Keith, Kathy, Paul and the rest of the family. She was one of the most gracious ladies I have ever met. Always a smile and kind word to say. You should have many great memories of all the good times, and know she is at rest now in Heaven where she belongs. My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Ellie was always so gracious and kind to us during our years in Lawrence. She always had time to talk and encourage. It was clear her faith was real and deep. What was especially outstanding about Ellie was that she loved her husband and was so proud of each of her children. I can still see that sparkle in her eye when she got to tell a story about any of you. You are all in our prayers during these days. Love and hugs to all the Whites!
I have many wonderful memories of Ellie and Roger and all of you, growing up together at the Friends Church; youth group parties at the lake, bus trips down to Camp, and worshiping with all of you at the church. Ellie took such tender care with all her friends; Mom loved SS classes and Bible studies with her. What a legacy she leaves for all of you. And the contributions to Camp will continue to bless many others. Love and prayers to all of you.