Nerva Irene Tripp

Nerva Irene Tripp, 106, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Nerva was born February 21, 1920 in Stanley Corners to Benjamin and Thersal (Ware) Hughes, at her family’s farm where she was raised with her two sisters, Grace and Gladys. She worked on the farm doing chores, such as shucking corn, milking cows and driving horses.

Nerva met her husband Warrington “Alto” Tripp while hitchhiking home from work along North Ave in Battle Creek. They were married in 1937. Her husband Alto preceded her in death on October 11, 1975.

Nerva worked for Post Cereals for 40 years and was interviewed by C.W. Post himself when she applied. Her husband also worked there along with her sister and two of their children.

After retiring from Post, Nerva earned her GED from Delton Kellogg Schools. She also began volunteering at Leila Hospital and Bronson Hospital for 40 years. Nerva loved traveling and loved her trips to Hawaii and Alaska. She enjoyed gardening, growing flowers and could bring any plant back to life.

Nerva is survived by her children, Judy Brown, Irene Bergman and Warrington Tripp, Jr.; ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, twenty-nine great-great-grandchildren, and six great-great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; son, James Albert Tripp; grandchildren, Randy Clearwater and Maggie Tripp: great-grandchildren Jennifer Clearwater and Thomas Clearwater; and great-grandchild Theodore Roosevelt.

Nerva’s family will receive friends for visitation Friday, July 3 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, where a funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at East Hickory Corners Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be directed to First United Methodist Church, Battle Creek. Personal messages for her family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.