Retta Zoe Triplett

Retta Zoe (Smith) Triplett was born on February 23, 1942, in Elmer, Oklahoma, to Albert D. and Lanell (Holt) Smith. Growing up in SW Oklahoma, Retta graduated from Southside School in Humphreys with the Class of 1960. She met Edward Lee “Eddie” Triplett, and they married in Altus on December 14, 1962, before making their home in Eldorado. To this union, three children were born, Vicky, Larry Joe, and Donna.

Retta was incredibly independent. If she could do it, she was determined to do it by herself. These values were instilled in her children and the generations that followed. She worked as a seamstress for most of her adult life. She also spent many years working in the Eldorado and Olustee school systems as a substitute teacher. She quickly became the preferred number to call on the substitute list because the teachers knew that they could count on her to keep their class on track and in order! Retta was an avid fan of the OKC Thunder and the Atlanta Braves, and, of course, any sports or activities involving her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed Orange Fanta and cherished the special bond she shared with her sisters, especially during their regular “Sisters Trips,” where laughter, adventure, and lasting memories were always abundant.

Retta cherished her family above all else and considered any time spent together a blessing. She expressed her love through cooking, particularly during the holidays, when she delighted in preparing generous meals for family and guests. There was always more than enough to go around, with leftovers guaranteed for everyone. Her homemade sugar cookies, decorated to suit every gathering, were loved by all.

Retta passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, September 10, 2026, just before sunrise. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Eddie; parents, Albert and Lanell; siblings, Delbert Smith and Carolyn Cotton; daughter-in-law, Robin Triplett; and nephew, Chris Lewis.

Her independent nature, and importance of family, will live on in her children, Vicky Berry and husband, Don, Larry Joe Triplett, and Donna Fry and husband, Larry; grandchildren, Vanessa White and husband, Clint, Amanda Newton and husband, Mike, Tara Triplett and fiancé, Tyler Owens, Dylan Cross and partner, Kelli, Hayden Fry, Lauryn Fry, and Ben Buck; great-grandchildren, Izabella Newton, Avery White, Cortana Newton, Emersyn White, Rowan Newton, Emma Buck, and Ivy Buck; siblings, Lesa Lewis and husband, David, Teresa Spann, and Kevin Smith; special family members, Nick Armendariz and sister-in-law, Janice Reynolds; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

The family will formally greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, September 14th, in the Kincannon Memorial Chapel. Funeral Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15th, at the First Baptist Church in Eldorado with Pastor Jimmy Williams officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Eldorado Cemetery.

The care of Mrs. Triplett has been entrusted to Kincannon Funeral Home. Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.