OVERBROOK — Claudia Christine “Chris” (Wynn) Shipp, Overbrook, died Thursday, June 9, 2022, with her family present. She was 77.
She was born Nov. 4, 1944, to Christine Caldwell Wynn. She grew up with her two brothers, Ed and Jim, and her sister, Marjie, in Cincinnati, though she often spent summers with aunts, uncles and cousins in Kentucky.
Upon graduation from high school, Chris attended Ottawa University, where she studied home economics education. There, she met and fell in love with William “Bill” Shipp. They were married just before her senior year, in August 1965. They, along with their daughter, Wynndee, and son, Tom, lived in Ottawa for several years before moving to Augusta.
Chris worked several years before deciding to be a stay-at-home mom, and discovering the joy of volunteering. She loved her time with her own children, but also volunteered for many special activities, including art projects at school. She was a Girl Scout leader, cookie sales regional director, and boat/water director at many summer camps over the years. Water activities included CPR, water safety training, canoeing, sailing and kayaking, all of which became passions.
Her creative outlets included ceramics, woodworking and needlework of all kinds, which filled her with joy. When she discovered quilting, though, she found her best love, along with loving others she quilted with. She taught all of these crafts to others as well. She was also a lifelong reader, instilling the joy of reading to her children, reading and re-reading thousands of books, many of which she owned. Her zest for outdoor water fun, constant gift-making, working with her hands, and love of reading is just part of what her family will miss.
She was our memory keeper, never knew a stranger, and loved others deeply. She was quick to be a nurse to anyone in the family who asked, including multiple trips to be with sick grandchildren.
Chris leaves behind her husband, Bill Shipp, of almost 57 years, Overbrook; daughter, Wynndee Lee (David), Ottawa; son, Tom Shipp, Miami; granddaughters, Kelsey Kenyon (Jack), Spanish Fort, Ala., and Samantha Holden (Matt), Surprise, Ariz.; great-grandson, Walter Kenyon; great-granddaughter, Hadlee Holden; sister, Marjie Sinclair; sister-in-law, Freda Wynn; and cousins, nieces and nephews.
She will be dearly missed.
The family held a private memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Ottawa University for scholarships, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, or Susan G. Komen Fund for Breast Cancer, and sent in care of Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067.
Condolences and memories may be left at DengelMortuary.com.
