Margaret Ruth (Gee) Lipe

At 93 years of age, Margaret "Ruth" Lipe entered into her Father's open arms and her eternal Heavenly home, with her family by her side, on June 3, 2023. Ruth was born on September 14, 1929, in Makanda, to Orlan and Grace Gee, he preceded her in death on April 8, 1947. Ruth took Wayne "Red" Lipe to be her beloved husband and they resided in Carbondale. Red preceded Ruth in death on March 18, 1997, after 49 years of marriage and was most surely waiting on his bride with open arms the day she left us.

Red and Ruth have two children from their union, Jean (Ron) King of Carbondale, and Linda (Cliff) Waller of Alto Pass. Ruth became grandmother to six grandchildren, Kim (Tom) Meyers of Metropolis, Gina (David) Giacone of Henryville, IN, Roger (Angela) King of Carbondale, Melissa (Scott) Tripp of Alto Pass, Crystal (Jamie) Tellor of Pomona, and Frank (Ashley) King of Carbondale. Ruth had the privilege of being a great grandmother to twenty and great-great grandmother to four. Ruth was one of seven children, all of which siblings preceded her in death, Sydney Gee, Harold Gee, Norma Wolfe, Carroll Gee, Wonda Vancil and Kenneth Gee.

Ruth was a member of Dutch Ridge Baptist Church in Carbondale, where she taught Sunday School, helped with Bible School and played the piano for many, many years. Ruth worked in the Glove Factory in Carbondale for several years before starting her own upholstery business from her home. She was known for her impeccable work for over 40 years.

Ruth grew up during The Great Depression, establishing a humble and hard-working ethic which continued throughout her lifetime. She took great pride in everything she set her mind to and in the words of her grandkids "she could do anything." She taught piano lessons and held recitals for her students right in her living room. She molded, cleaned, and fired her own ceramics and took great care in painting each one of them. She had a love of all arts and crafts; painting still life, sewing, crocheting, and knitting, all of which she would give as gifts to her loved ones.

She was a poet and story writer, both of which can be found in the many writings she has left for her family and friends. She was a fabulous cook and was known to be able to throw a meal together at the last minute, no matter how many might show up, and she welcomed all. Her chicken and dumplings were always the family favorite and although she left a book full of recipes, no one else will ever get her smidge, dash or pinch just right. Most of all Ruth had a heart as big as they come; accepting of all, always full of love, and always putting God and her family before herself. She will be missed by all and welcomed into the Kingdom by many.

Ruth will be honored at Dutch Ridge Baptist Church in Carbondale on Thursday, June 8, 2023, where friends and family may gather for visitation between the hours of 10:00am-12:00pm. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2023 with Rev. Cliff Waller and Rev. Danny Miller officiating. Interment will be in the Tripp Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either Dutch Ridge Baptist Church or the Tripp Memorial Cemetery in memory of Ruth's dedication and service. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.