Pat Tipton

Pat B. Tipton, 87, a life long Cape Girardeau resident, died Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at Chateau Girardeau Health Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Jan. 11, 1925, in Cape Girardeau, to Herman and Flora Hanebrink Bode. She was the youngest of seven children.

She went to Washington and Franklin schools. She was chosen as one of five outstanding sophomores at Cape Girardeau Central High, and was a twirler in the band. At Southeast Missouri State University, she was a member of the Clio Society (later called Delta Delta Delta), and she was chosen as Varsity Queen in 1945.

Pat taught school in Conrad, Mo., during World War II. She married Bill Tipton on Dec. 22, 1946, in Cape Girardeau. After raising her children, she received an elementary education degree from Southeast Missouri State University. She taught art for 20 years at Kelly and New Hamburg.

She traveled to many places with Bill because of the Lion's Club, including Japan, Canada and England.

She was a charter member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, but joined First Presbyterian Church in later years, and attended the Methodist services at the Chateau. Pat was a Girl Scout leader, played golf and was a member of PEO. She taught bridge and painting at the Chateau.

Survivors include two daughters, Tricia Parr of Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Tina Garner of Cypress, Texas; one son, Tom Tipton of Cape Girardeau; and six grandchildren, Chris Reynolds, Ryan Reynolds, Dax Garner, Katie Garner, Traci Garner, Annie Laurie Tipton; four great-grandchildren; many friends; and her constant companion at the Chateau, Bailey Rutledge.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Bill Tipton, as well as her dear grandson, Chad Tipton.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Short officiating. Entombment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Saxony Lutheran High School or Chateau Girardeau Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.