Betty Lou Rip's Obituary
Betty Lou Mills Rip, 98, passed away Monday, May 10th, 2021. She was born in Baltimore, MD., in 1922 to Bob and Betty Mills, graduated Shorewood High School in Milwaukee, WI., then attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO. Betty Lou left Stephens in 1942 to join Henry F. Fleissner in San Diego, CA. He was a Marine, and they married in May of 1942. Shortly thereafter, she proudly joined the war effort as a WAVE in the US Navy. Following their military service, they moved to Illinois and began their family. As fate willed, Betty Lou soon became a single mother of two, and thus began the entrepreneurial adventures she carried forward for decades.
In 1959, she relocated with her children to Quincy, IL., and founded The Quincy Travel Center. Her business eventually became the largest travel agency in Illinois outside of Chicago. She reminded readers in one of her first newspaper ads that “A man that hast travelled knoweth many things.” Her pink & white striped Jeep was visible all over town, adorned with a customized tire cover announcing, “The Quincy Travel Center…Please Go Away!” Her endeavors afforded family, friends, and business associates the opportunity to travel the world, knowing their arrangements were perfectly executed. While in Quincy, Betty Lou met her Dutchman, John, they wed, and began a 30-year adventure together.
And what an adventure they had. In 1973, they sold the travel agency, and bought a charming, independently owned motel in Laredo, TX. The motel stayed in the family for years, while they relocated to Corpus Christi, TX. There, life on the Bay was filled with family, friends, and fun. She was blessed to have had her parents with her in Corpus Christi, and she orchestrated many wonderful family gatherings over the years, joined by extended family from near and far.
Betty Lou and John were active in the Anglican church, St. Thomas of Canterbury for more than 20 years. They also supported the Navy League and many charitable organizations. From the Art Center and Symphony to the writer’s group, tennis and bridge, plus continued business ventures, Betty Lou was an energetic go-getter truly engaged in life.
After John’s death, Betty Lou relocated to Pearland, TX., as a “retired” lady in 2001. She was active in her Country Place community, participating in its wide variety of social and educational activities. She loved Houston’s performing arts scene, particularly the Symphony. Betty Lou was a devout Christian, a true patriot, and she always kept her family close. As a member of the Greatest Generation, she confidentially moved forward through whatever life presented.
She is preceded in death by her parents William Robert and Betty Mills, her husband John Rip, and sister Joan Brown. Betty Lou is survived by her son, William Wallace of San Antonio, and daughter, Amy Wallace of Houston. Her grandchildren are Jennifer Shepard and Pamela Wallace; great-grandchildren Zachary and Elizabeth Ridgeway, and Nick Shepard. She also leaves behind a host of dear nieces & nephews out West, fondly known as the Phoenix Birds.
In Lieu of flowers, Betty Lou's family is requesting that donations be made to the charity of your choice in her memory.
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