Vicki Josephine Tripp, age 76, passed away in Rapid City, SD, on May 28th, 2026 around 5pm of a heart attack.

She was born October 20th, 1949 in Tyndall, SD, to Joseph and Dorothy Pekas. She attended Wagner High School, then Southern College in Spring Field, SD. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Psychology in 1972. On May 8th, 1985 she was married to Terry Tripp in Aberdeen, SD.

Vicki grew up on a farm in Wagner, SD. She was in the Mrs. Springfield Competition in college, very athletic, a great student, and very popular. She loved student teaching, but unfortunately a bad car accident derailed her plans and she went into the restaurant industry instead. She worked at various restaurants throughout South Dakota. She won countless awards for her hard work and dedication to being the best at her job. She also attended Therese the Little Flower Catholic Church.

Vicki was feisty and resilient, and will be remembered for fiercely loving her boys, grandchildren, family, and friends. She didn’t come from a lot and at many times she didn’t have two pennies to rub together, but somehow she always figured out how to make it work. When she wasn’t working she spent her time with her loved ones and being outside. She loved a good crossword puzzle, soap opera, and keeping up with football. If you needed someone to call or text, she was the person.

Vicki’s first son, Perry James, went to heaven on December 12th, 1986. Vicki is survived by her dear friend and her children's father, Terry Tripp; sons Jason, Ryan, Eric, and Nathan; grandchildren Bailiee, Isabella, Lianna, Addisyn, Leightyn, and Emmie; daughter-in-laws, Steph and Stephanie; sisters Sheryl McClure and Beverly Pekas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 4th, 2026, 2pm at Kinkade Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Vicki's memory to The Club for Boys, 320 N 4th St, Rapid City, SD, 57701.