Obituaries

The Bigfork Eagle runs obituaries and death notices free of charge for people who have lived in the Bigfork area.

To submit, e-mail editor@bigforkeagle.com or call 837-5131. Deadlines are Monday at noon.

Norma J. Lipp

Norma Jean Lipp, 83, died with her family at her side Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Norma was born Feb. 16, 1927 in Colo, Iowa, to Virgil and Rozetta (Hartman) McKinney. Norma was raised in Colo, where she attended schools. She graduated from Northern Montana College in Havre, with a B.A. 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. They had 44 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, Nev.; 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 from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with a vigil service held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman serving as celebrant.

Interment was to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

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, MT 59901.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave personal messages and sign Norma's book.

Billy G. Redmond

Billy G. Redmond, 78, died on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Kalispell.

Cremation and family graveside service arrangements were made by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory.

A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell.

Bring your stories to be shared starting at 5 p.m.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please mail a donation in memory of Billy G. Redmond to the Flathead Valley Junior Golf Association, c/o Alice Ritzman, 64 E Nicklaus, Kalispell, MT 59901.