TIPPETS, Mary

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 12/14/2004 Mary Egan Tippets, 88, a long-time resident of Show Low, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004. She was a member of the Show Low LDS First Ward. Mary was born in Waterbury, Connecticut. Following the death of her father when she was about two, she and her younger brother John and her mother, returned to Ireland. When Mary was around 12, she and her brother were sent to live with relatives and attended school in America. Although she never returned to Ireland, she was always proud of her Irish roots and spoke often of her "Emerald Isle" homeland. In her younger years she had a beautiful soprano voice, and loved to sing old Irish songs. During World War II, while residing in Boston, Massachusetts, she met a young soldier from Clifton, named Jack Tippets. They fell in love and were married shortly before he was shipped overseas. She then moved 'out west' to Clifton, to stay with Jack's parents until the war was over and Jack came home. They had one, Jack E. They lived in the Clifton-Morenci area for a few years, but most of their lives were spent in Pinetop and McNary, where Jack was employed by Southwest Forest Industries and Mary worked for years as a cashier at the McNary General Store. They truly loved the beautiful White Mountains and spent many weekends and vacations picnicking, camping and exploring. Mary was always very outgoing and friendly, seasoning life with her Irish sense of humor, and always viewing the positive side of life. She was an avid knitter, creating many beautiful hand knit items for family and friends. She always loved to read and had a fondness for pets, especially dogs. She is survived by one son, Jack E., and his wife Kathy of Show Low; one sister, Phyllis O'Connell of Cahir, Ireland; three granddaughters, Kristen (Mark) Neel of Show Low, Jennifer (Bill) Haltom of St. George, Utah, and Maren (Bill) Robertson of Show Low; two grandsons, Matthew (Jennifer) Tippets of Mesa; Mark Tippets of Show Low; 13 great-grandchildren; one niece, Peggy Raley of Pensacola, Florida. Her husband preceded her in death in 1977. Grave side services were held Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Show Low Cemetery. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. The family expresses appreciation to all the members of RTA Hospice who offered such loving care and support during Mary's final days. To send private condolences or to sign the online guest book, visit web site at www.owensmortuary.com.