Norma Jean Lipp, 83

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 Feb. 16, 1927, in Colo, Iowa, to Virgil and Rozetta (Hartman) McKinney. Norma was raised in Colo, where she attended school. She graduated from Northern Montana College in Havre with a Bachelor of Arts 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 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, a senior student at Flathead Valley Community College and American Association of University Women, was given the Soroptimist Service Award, and had served as vice president of the Buffalo Hill 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 goes out to our dear friend and neighbor Joyce Spicher. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman serving as celebrant. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family thanks the staff of Kalispell Regional Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care of Norma. The public is 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, MT 59901. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.