Ona Lee (Chapman) Flippo

Ona Lee Flippo (n’ee Chapman) was born January 29, 1946, in Barnshee Holler, Kentucky.  She was the beloved daughter of Sydney and Georgia Johnson Chapman.

She departed this life peacefully on January 19, 2026, in Kennett, Missouri.  She was 79 years old.

Ona lived a life marked by quiet strength and deep devotion to her family.  She was united in marriage to Ernest Richard Flippo on January 21, 1967.  Together they built a life centered around love, hard work, and shared joy.  Their union was blessed with three children: Sherry (Tommy) Swims, Ricky (Anna) Flippo, and Thomas (Audra) Flippo.

A dedicated worker, Ona spent part of her career as an overhead crane operator for Trinity Marine.  Her work ethic reflected her resilience and determination-qualities that defined much of her life.  

Family was the heart of Ona’s world.  She found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life: playing cards around the kitchen table, tending to her garden with care, sitting on the porch enjoying the day’s quiet moments, and most especially cooking for a house full of loved ones.  Her home was always open and filled with warmth-a place where laughter echoed, and memories were made.

She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren:  Brandon John Flippo, Dalton (Deanna) Rinehart, Meagen (Dalton) Pruett, Alora (Woody) Hall, Austin (Breanca)McCaig, Michael (London) Flippo, Jace (Gabbie) Flippo, Kate Flippo, and Renn Flippo.  Her legacy continues through them and through her great-grandchildren: Ella Flippo, Brayden Payne, Kasen Payne, Amelia Dormer, Lily Rinehart, Addison Hall, Calyx McCaig, Annastasia Flippo, and her siblings: Priscilla Peterson, Grant Chapman and Allen Chapman.

Ona was preceded in death by her parents: Sydney and Georgia Chapman, her husband: Ernest Richard Flippo, and her grandson: Greggory Hawk Callens, her sisters: Maxine Hernandez, Lana Kays, Missouri Chapman, Aileen Chapman, Vennie Chapman, and her brothers: Junior Chapman, Jackie Chapman.

Those who knew Ona will remember her kind heart and unwavering love for those around her.  She leaves a legacy of compassion, strength and enduring family bonds that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the H.S. Smith Funeral Chapel.  Interment will follow in Maple Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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