Barbara Ann Lipke

Barbara Ann Lipke, 67, of Howard City, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 12, 2008 at Spectrum Health Kelsey Hospital in Lakeview, Michigan. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 16, 2008 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St. with Msgr. Michael Osborn as celebrant. Per Barbara’s wishes, she has donated her eyes for research. Private burial of her ashes will be at North Shore Memory Gardens at a later date. Friends wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Barbara was born on August 2, 1940 to George and Della (Runnion) Benoit in St. Joseph, MI. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1958. Barbara was manager for Beacon Services in Grand Rapids until retiring in 1992. She married Robert Lipke in St. Joseph on June 25, 1977. Together, they raised their children, Colleen and John as well as step-children, Richard and Mark. Barbara enjoyed reading, crocheting and knitting, traveling and gambling. She particularly loved to “hunt for treasure”. Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Robert; her children Colleen Ritz (Dennis) of Howard City, MI and John (Wendy) Cull of Portland, OR, Richard (Flora) Lipke of St. Charles, IL, Mark (Tara) Lipke of Oswego, IL; grand-daughter, Megan Hardy; and a brother, George Benoit of Ypsilanti, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Della (Runnion) Benoit.