Nancy Triplett

Nancy Triplett, 87, of Winterset, died Monday, June 9, 2025 at her home.

Nancy Jean (Smith) Triplett was born in her parents’ home in Carlisle, Iowa, on October 20, 1937 to John and Bessie (Calvert) Smith. Nancy graduated from Carlisle High School in 1956. She was an excellent basketball player and set a state single game free throw record, sinking 28 of 31 free throws and totaling 50 points for the game. She was captain of her basketball team all four years of high school, majorette her senior year, and vice president of her class. She was accepted to nursing school, but instead chose to marry her high school sweetheart, Jerry Triplett. The couple was married on June 22, 1957 at Carlisle Christian Church. They soon started a family in Carlisle, and eventually moved to Winterset in 1968, where Jerry became the Winterset High School guidance counselor.

Nancy was devoted to her family and her church and worked as a homemaker while raising her five children. She worked for the Bethesda Care Center for over 30 years, first as a nurse’s aide and then as activities coordinator. She was an active member of First Christian Church in Winterset and served for many years in various ways including: Treasurer, Elder, Sunday School teacher, visiting shut-ins, active in CWF, served CCF meals, sang in choir, and led the children’s junior choir for many years.

After Jerry died in August of 2013, Nancy was a dedicated community servant, volunteering at the Madison County Historical Museum, Winterset Public Library, and the Madison County Democratic Party. She enjoyed traveling and visiting her family and especially enjoyed dancing at her grandchildren’s wedding celebrations. A high point of Nancy’s later years was serving as Co-Queen of the Madison County Covered Bridge Festival with her dear friend, Ruth Reed, in October of 2021. She was an avid Hawkeye fan and enjoyed attending one of Caitlin Clark’s final games as a Hawkeye.

Nancy was a true and faithful servant, and touched many lives, leaving a legacy of faith and love through her children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Chris Triplett (Denette) of Jacksonville, FL, Loyalty Miller (Don) of St. Louis, MO, Dennis Triplett of West Hollywood, CA, Robin Wolfgram (Kurt) of St. Louis, MO, and Tracey Triplett (Amy Wootten) of Eureka, MO; 18 grandchildren, Jessica (David), Bethany (Kyle), Kimberly (Tyler), Jonathan (Jessica), Ashley (Dave), Andrew (Victoria), Allison, Ben (Emma), Emma (Brad), Caleigh, George, Christian (Melissa), Jerod, Elizabeth, Aubrey, Gavin, Abby and Declan; and fifteen great grandchildren, Haddon, Hannah, Jenna, Reagan, Noah, Cole, Reese, Ruthie, Trip, Zachary, Oliver, Daphne, Haley, Hannah, and Thomas.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry; infant daughter, Jeri Jean Triplett; sister, Diane (Smith) Crum and infant sister, Beverly Ann Smith.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Winterset Chapel, where family will be present to receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 11, at the First Christian Church in Winterset. Memorials may be directed to First Christian Church of Winterset or Friends of the Winterset Public Library.