Mary Kaufman Kipp
Mary "Kathy" Kaufman Kipp age 58 of Billings, passed away peacefully after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer.
Kathy was born June 15, 1950 in Billings to Robert and Charlotte Kaufman. She was the youngest of three naturally born children and big sister to four adopted brothers.
Kathy attended school in Poplar Montana, graduating in 1968. She went on to attend the School of Coiffure Art, which allowed her to spend the last 40 years styling hair. Kathy was a shop owner at Central Hair Care, as well as working many years after that at The Final Touch on 16th St. W. and also in the hair salon at Chapel Court in the St. Johns Facility. Kathy adored taking care of her clients and making them feel good by helping them look great. She loved to have long conversations with them over a perm, highlight or just a simple wash and style.
Kathy married Rick Kipp in Billings and to that union came her only child Shawn Michael Kipp, the light of her life. They later divorced but continued to maintain a strong relationship with one another.
Kathy built strong relationships through her many activities such as bowling, softball, and golf. Kathy had passion for maintaining her home and yard. You could usually find her working in her yard on the weekends to ensure that the weeds had no place in her yard and that her flowers would look their best at all times. Everything had a place in her home as well; "you never know when company may stop by,” she would say. She also enjoyed cross-stitch, watching game shows and chasing the elusive jackpot and video keno.
Kathy was a devoted mom who spent endless hours enjoying her son's activities. Kathy did all she could to ensure that her son could do all activities and have all the chances that he could in his life, she lived much of her life for him as anyone who knew her would tell you by the way she lit up whenever she had the chance to talk about what he was currently doing. The greatest of these happened in the last year of her life when her battle with the cancer paid off and she was able to see her son find the love of his life, his wife Ali, a daughter-in-law that she thoroughly enjoyed and saw the birth of her first grandchild, a little boy, Dain. In her last few months she could not get enough of seeing the newest little man in her life. Kathy was able to live independently until just before her death because of her strength, determination, and love of life. The thought of seeing that new little boy gave her extra strength for that last battle.
Kathy is survived by her son Shawn (Ali) Kipp, grandson Dain Kipp, & step-grandchildren Dalton and Dacee, all of Billings, Brothers Jeff (Susan) Kaufman of Belgrade, Pete Kaufman of Belgrade, Vernon (Maureen) Martell of Billings, Dustin Kaufman of Billings, and sister Berta (Don) Falcon of Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Charlotte Kaufman.
Cremation has taken place and service will be held on Friday May 29, 2009 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. in Billings, Mt.
Memorial donations can be made to Horizon Hospice House in Billings under Kathy's name.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
Dear Roberta & Family,
Shocked with the news of Kathy! She was such a vibrant person with a big heart and warm smile. Over the years when I was home, we would catch up on our families & it was always great to see her. She will be truly missed. Keeping you all in thought and prayers.
Georgianna Old Elk
Shawn - so sorry to hear of your loss. your are always in our thoughts and prayers. Holly & Tim Garcia
To all of Kathy's family
Was sad to hear of Kathy's passing. She was a great classmate and the few times I ran into her after '68 and at the reunion we had in Billings a couple of years ago, she was still her vibrant, happy, fun self. Always with that great smile and kind words. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Trudy (McGowan) Fox
Shawn & Ali-
Sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful friend and neighbor that will be missed by many! May it comfort you to understand that your Mom was at peace knowing that you have married into a very loving and supportive family.
Roger, Bobbie, Wade & Shane Boss
Shawn & Family - So sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Our deepest condolences,
Vince & Ryan Meza
Shawn - you are in our thoughts at this time. Kathy was one of my best friends, I loved seeing her when I was in Billings. Gene and I always made special plans to see Kathy, we shared many laughs and fun times together. Judy C. Reitz
Shawn,
Your mom was an amazing lady and I feel so blessed to have known her for the time that I did and I will always remember her and her sense of humor. She could always make me laugh! I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. Kelley Boone
We met Kathy in 1976 when we 1st moved to Billings. What a great person!!!! Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Ed & LaVonne Rook
OMG Georgianna, so nice to hear from you. Still remember your messages when Dad and Mom Passed. Pray we meet some day. I fly in Friday and can't wait to see family and friends, esp. those of Kathy's she's told me about. Can't believe my lil sister is gone before me. Thankful for good memories of our recent phone calls and to share them with Shawn and Ali when I get there.
Berta Kaufman Falcon
Shawn, I'm so sad to hear about your mom's passing. She always welcomed us as part of the family. My thoughts are with you both. Much love, Courtney Berry
Shawn & family, I am so sorry about your mom. The world has lost a wonderful, caring person. I have so many wonderful memories of her and the good times we had together. My thoughts and prayers and with all of you. My deepest sympathy. Love, Christie (Knudson) Kautsky
Shawn,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I have the fondest memories of her. My thoughts are with you.
Lisa Polkow