Marilyn Ann (Thompson) Sipple, 78, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020. Born February 24, 1942 in Allegan, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Anna (Schafer) Thompson. She received her associate degree from Western Michigan University and worked as a teacher in Title I at Martin Public Schools for over 10 years.
Marilyn grew up in the Allegan area, one of six brothers and sisters, all of whom she cherished deeply. On June 23, 1962, Marilyn married Jack Ronald Sipple, a farmer from Martin, Michigan and spent their 58 years together working side-by-side on their dairy farm and enjoying family life with their children and grandchildren. The two explored far-off places together and also volunteered building churches and schools through the Builders for Christ organization. Marilyn is remembered as an incredibly compassionate and intentional mother. A true family woman at heart, she made sure that they took family vacations—prioritizing time together. Ever a doting mother, Marilyn was just as nurturing as a grandmother.
All her life, Marilyn was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ. One of the last things that Marilyn wrote was, “The belief I am most passionate about is my faith and knowing that God is always with me and I will be with my Savior in eternity.”
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Kathleen Lane, brother-in-law Carl Sandahl and sister-in-law Sharon Kelly (Roger). Surviving are her husband Jack; children Christine DeBruyn (Arthur), Karen Hildebrand (Ted), Kirt Sipple; son-in-law Terry Lane; grandchildren John Waldsmith, Allison DeBruyn, Breyanna Waldsmith, Megan Ward (Kristopher), Catherine DeBruyn; siblings Maxine Sandahl, Bernice Wentzel (Charles), Paul Thompson (Sara), Lawrence Thompson (Sharon), Carolyn Miner (Don); sister-in-law Joyce Suhusky (Frank); and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family received friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Monday, August 31, 2020 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service took place at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 1:00 pm. Burial in New East Martin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.
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