Norma Jean Lipp

Norma Jean Lipp, 83, passed away with her family at her side on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Norma was born on Feb. 16, 1927 in Colo, Iowa, to Virgil and Rozetta (Hartman) McKinney. Norma was raised in Colo, Iowa, where she attended schools. She graduated from Northern Montana College in Havre, with a bachelor’s degree in education. She worked as an elementary teacher in Hingham, for 25 plus wonderful years. Norma married Frank Lipp, on Dec. 28, 1948 in Colo, Iowa. They had 44 great years together before Frank passed away. They truly enjoyed living the life of wheat farmers.

She was a member of the Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church Alter Society in Hingham, a member of Risen Christ Catholic Church in Kalispell, a long time volunteer at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Senior Student at FVCC, AAUW, was given the Soroptimist Service Award, and had served as the Vice President of the Buffalo Hills Residence Group. She enjoyed traveling, and had traveled to many places. She loved music, teaching, gardening, writing and sharing her poetry with others. Norma loved spending time with her family and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Rozetta McKinney; her husband Frank Lipp; a daughter Rose Marie Lipp; and two sisters, Muriel Burka and Naomi Cook. Norma is survived by her children, Alan and Penni Lipp of Havre, Jerry and Barb Lipp, Francie Lipp and Nick Russin, and Joanne Ferrell all of Kalispell, Mike and Joan Lipp of Hingham, and Linda and Leon Kappes of Elko, Nevada; a brother Wayne McKinney, Sr. of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren Davis Miller, Andrew Miller, Katie Martin, Heidi Lipp, Christopher Lipp, Jessica Pitt, Dustin Kappes, Kallie Kappes, Dillon Lipp, Shellby Lipp and Nicholas Ferrell; great-grandchildren Alexandria Pitt and Brody Miller, and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thank you from Norma’s family to our dear friend and neighbor Joyce Spicher.

A visitation was held . Tuesday Aug. 31, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with a Vigil service following. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday Sept. 1, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman serving as Celebrant. Interment followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff of Kalispell Regional Medical Center for their loving and Compassionate care of Norma.

You are invited to go to www. buffalohillfh.com to leave personal messages and sign Norma’s book. The family suggests that any Memorials be made in Norma’s name to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Northwest Health Care Foundation 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, Montana 59901.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.