Kathy Sue Shipman

Kathy Sue Ridgeway Shipman, 81, passed away peacefully in Lake Jackson, Texas on May 26, 2024.

Kathy was born on February 16, 1943, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. She was the first of three children born to Harold “HH” and Nadine Ridgeway. Kathy grew up on a farm outside of Pawnee with her two brothers and graduated from Pawnee High School in 1961.

Kathy married Dale Keith Shipman on November 18, 1964. Shortly thereafter, she and Keith moved to Lake Jackson and then Brazoria, Texas. Kathy gave birth to two children and, while raising them, taking care of her husband, and managing a household, Kathy put herself through college and graduated with a degree in Accounting from the University of Houston, Clear Lake. After working for some time at the nuclear power plant in Bay City, Texas, Kathy took a leap of faith and opened up an accounting practice in Brazoria, Texas. She was so successful over the years that she later sold that business to H&R Block after outperforming all of their offices in the county combined.

Kathy loved Jesus and served him faithfully through the years, much of that as treasurer for First Baptist Church, Brazoria, where her husband, Keith, served as deacon. She also traveled in her retired years on many mission trips to help churches build needed facilities to serve their communities. She loved cooking for her family, camping, square-dancing, quilting, crocheting, and going out on the town with the women of the Red Hat society. 

Kathy is survived by her two children: Brian Shipman and wife, Jennifer, of Corsicana and Tammy Galvan and her BMF, Brian M. Foster, of West Columbia; four grandchildren: Collin Heidaker and Sophia Galvan of West Columbia; and Ryan Shipman and Emily Shipman of Corsicana; one brother, Max Ridgeway and his wife Sandra of Montgomery, Texas.

Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Shipman, her brother, Ronald Ridgeway, and her son-in-law Jerry “OWOCB” Galvan.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00-11:00am. Monday, June 3, 2024, at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia, TX.

Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, 634 S. Columbia Dr, West Columbia, TX, with son Brian Shipman officiating.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the owners and staff of Revered Texan Hearth and Home in Lake Jackson, TX and Angel’s Hospice Care for their faithful and loving service to Kathy in her final years.

Interment will follow at the Brazoria Cemetery.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.ctbakerfuneral.com