Margaret Helen Tripp

With heavy hearts and immeasurable love, we honor the life of our cherished mother, grandmother, neighbor, and friend — affectionately known as “Granny.” Her story was not one of grandiose achievements or public accolades, but rather a narrative of quiet strength, enduring love, and unwavering devotion. Margaret Helen Tripp, known simply and lovingly as Helen, was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, on April 18, 1938. She was the beloved daughter of Tony Ruter and Lora Margaret (Gillespie) Ruter, who instilled in her the values of humility, compassion, and hard work — virtues that shaped her remarkable life. Though she didn’t earn a high school diploma, Helen’s strength, resilience, and love for her family carried her through life’s toughest challenges. Through determination and grit, she accomplished something truly extraordinary: she purchased her first home on her own. That home became a sanctuary filled with warmth, joy, and unconditional love. Her life was devoted to her daughters, Linda and Brenda, whom she raised singlehandedly with fierce tenderness. She also opened her heart and home to each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as “Granny.” Helen was not just the life of our family — she was the soul that connected us all. Her ever-present smile was a beacon of warmth, inviting us to share our joys and sorrows with her. Her kindness spilled far beyond her family, becoming “Granny” to all the neighborhood children in Manassas Park, who found safety, snacks, and affection in her gentle presence. Upon retirement, she settled in Orange, Virginia, where she was lovingly known as the lady who adored mowing and caring for her yard. Her flowers bloomed as vibrantly as her spirit, and her neighbors soon became cherished friends — a new family of the heart. Helen believed deeply in the power of simple acts of kindness, in the importance of family, and in the quiet fulfillment of a life well-lived. She was a woman of profound empathy — always extending her hand to those in need, her heart to those in sorrow, and her wisdom to those seeking guidance. Her legacy is not one of worldly accolades, but of lives touched, children raised, gardens bloomed, and love deeply felt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tony and Lora Margaret (Gillespie) Ruter of Haymarket, VA; her brothers, Robert L. Stevenson of Marion, VA, and Louis Ray Ruter of Haymarket, VA; her sisters, Ruth Pauline Shrader of Winchester, VA, and Mamie “Hazel” Powers of Haymarket, VA; and her great-great-grandson, Christian Lee Collins of Spotsylvania, VA. She is survived by her two daughters, Linda Orndorff (Douglas Orndorff) of Spotsylvania, VA, and Brenda Ogden of Manassas, VA. Helen, lovingly known as Granny, was and will always be the proud grandmother of five amazing grandchildren: Brian L. Collins of Myrtle Beach, SC; Candice M. Ogden (James Kelly) of Manassas, VA; Kristin D. Wright of Harrisburg, PA; Douglas J. Orndorff Jr. (Krystalynn) of Fredericksburg, VA; and Lindsey Ogden of Manassas, VA. She is also Granny to seven beautiful great-grandchildren: Devin C. Schmied of Myrtle Beach, SC; Samantha L. Wolfe (Chris); Kelsey A. Wright of Harrisburg, PA; Nathan R. Ogden of Manassas, VA; Jesse James Wright, Harrisburg, PA; Summer M. Goodall of Manassas, VA; and Jayana J. D’Antignac of Manassas, VA. And we cannot forget that Helen was also a proud great-great-grandmother to Joshua W. Beeson of Conway, SC; Landon J. Wright of Harrisburg, PA; and one sweet bundle of joy, Baby Wright, due in February. Her presence will live on in the rustle of leaves she once raked, in the gardens she nurtured, and in the stories shared around dinner tables and porches. Though she has left this world, she remains with us in the countless hearts she made brighter simply by being herself — kind, thoughtful, strong, and true. A Service to celebrate and honor Helen’s life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Pierce Funeral Home, located at 9609 Center Street, Manassas, VA 20110. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:30 a.m., at the same location Interment will immediately follow (Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m.) at the Shenandoah Memorial Park, 1270 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, VA 22602. For those wishing to honor Helen’s life and legacy with a gesture of love, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association – Virginia Chapters. Donations may be made online at alz.org, or by mail to one of the Virginia chapter offices: • Southeastern Virginia Chapter 1010 Ednam Center, Suite 203 Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 973-6122 • Greater Richmond Chapter 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130 Glen Allen, VA 23060 (804) 967-2580

Margaret Helen Tripp

April 18, 1938 - July 21, 2025