Mary Ruth Hipp, 88, of Packwood, IA passed away on January 1, 2023, at the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield, IA. There will be a private family viewing and burial in Fairfield on Friday, January 6, 2023. A celebration of Life is being planned for June 2023. Cards and memorial contributions may be directed to the family and mailed to 1620 155th St., Packwood, IA 52580. These gifts will go toward Mary’s celebration of life. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Mary was born on July 30, 1934, to Marion Ralph Simmons and Inez Marie Helmick Simmons in Davis County, IA. She graduated from Packwood High School in 1952 and married William Robert Hipp on January 25, 1953. After Bill’s military service in Puerto Rico during the Korean Conflict, Mary and he made their home near Libertyville, IA.
Mary worked in the insurance industry and was a girls 4-H leader in Jefferson County. She was involved at Family Harvest Church in Agency. Mary enjoyed gardening and processing the foods she grew. She was an excellent seamstress, creating items from home décor to wedding gowns and tailored suits. In later years, she became an avid quilter, producing beautiful quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mary was also a wonderful cook who enjoyed making meals for many occasions for her family and friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Doris (Jack) Ricketts, Opal (Douglas) Walker, and Betty Simmons.
She is survived by her husband, William; a brother, John Simmons (WI); sister, Susan (Richard) Buchman (TX), and by her children Michael Hipp (NV), Robert (Kathy) Hipp (IA), Douglas (Judi) Hipp (FL), and Laura (Stephen) Herman (NV). Her grandchildren are Chris McCoy, Jason Hipp, Rachael Hughes, Trevor Hipp, Joseph Hipp, Robert Hipp, Nicholas Hipp, Carley Herman, and Stephanie Herman. She boasts sixteen great grandchildren as well.
