Name: Memorial service for Nancy Butler Kipp
Start: 2013-09-07T18:00:00.000Z
Location: El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley and El Camino Memorial Park

Kipp, Nancy Butler 10/28/1944 ~ 08/24/2013 SAN DIEGO -- Nancy Kipp had a passion for her students, her family and her friends. It was something that could never be dimmed by time, distance, illness or having to rely on oxygen for the last few years of her life. Nancy died at Scripps Green Hospital on Saturday, August 24th, of Sjogren's Syndrome, an incurable auto-immune disease that affects the heart and lungs. She did not give in easily to this illness. She was 68. She was proud to be a farmer's daughter, born to Marjorie and Duncan Butler and raised in Casa Grande, AZ, where her family had a cotton farm. However she was somewhat shy about copping to the fact she was Miss Rodeo Queen in 1958. She always said it was because rodeo officials were certain she was the one girl in town who could handle a horse without falling off in the parade. After earning a degree in education at Arizona State University, she got her first teaching job in Kaaawa on the poorer, rural side of Oahu, Hawaii where barefooted students tracked sand into her classroom. While in Hawaii, she met and married her husband, Ray, who was serving in the Marine Corps. After returning to the mainland, she taught kindergarten in Chandler, AZ, before moving to San Diego when her husband was hired by The San Diego Union. She returned to teaching in 1986 and taught until retiring in 2006 from Nye Elementary. In a 2012 submission to her high school class web site she noted that, "Besides raising two loving, smart and funny kids of my own, my greatest joy has been seeing the difference I made in children's lives as a primary teacher." Over the years, many of those students have contacted her to acknowledge the role she played in their lives. She was a humble, giving and loving woman who will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband, son Edward Kipp of Flagstaff, AZ and daughter, Pam Detrich of Burbank, CA, and a brother, Gary Butler of Casa Grande, AZ. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, September 7th, at the El Camino Mortuary, 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd., San Diego, 92121. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation or charity of choice.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune from Sep. 1 to Sep. 7, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Kipp

Sponsored by El Camino Memorial – Sorrento Valley and El Camino Memorial Park and Mortuaries (Sorrento Valley).

29 Entries

Elysse Palomo

February 5, 2015

Ms. Kipp,

I randomly searched your name today because I thought of you. I was hoping to reach out and maybe meet for dinner and I was very sad to find your obituary.

I wanted to take the time to thank you for being such an inspiration in my life. You always voiced your belief in me. It gave me the confidence to believe in myself and to always work my hardest.

Now at 27 years old, it's hard to believe that someone in 2nd grade could have such an affect on me. Looking back, I really don't think I would be who I am if I didn't have you as a teacher.

You were truly a blessing.

My condolences and prayers are with you and your family.

Carolyn Vega

October 25, 2013

I think of you everyday, Nancy, and miss you so much my dear, dear friend. I truly enjoyed our lunches at Crest Cafe and Caroline's and our laughs at the current state of political affairs. You were my true friend " who gets it" I so treasure our friendship over the years.
It is true, SJÖGREN'S Syndrome and Pulmonary Fibrosis is not for wimps....we both proved that. Wow, what a battle. As SJÖGREN'S sisters, we learned a lot, comforted many, and took care of each other. I love you for that!

Ray, Pam & Ed (and family) my deepest heartfelt sympathy is extended to you. Nancy loved you all so much and you were (and still are) her world. I pray for comfort and serenity for you all. Please know I am honored to call your wife, mom my Cherished Friend. I know Nancy is smiling and now finally breathing easy.

September 24, 2013

Dear Ray,
Sending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Call us anytime you would like to meet up. We are here for you. Your wife was beautiful and so wonderful to teach. I bet all her students loved her.

Love, Dick and Patty

September 13, 2013

Thank you for being part of our life.
Vicky and Warren Myers

Some of the smiles you helped shape...

Marc Stern

September 9, 2013

I wish I could have been there for your send off, Nancy. One of the many things I will remember so fondly about you was the time you had your students write letters to children in Balakot, Pakistan, a small town in the foothills of the Himalayas that had been devastated by an earthquake in October 2005. Hundreds of children in Balakot had been crushed when their schools collapsed on them. Others were left to survive somehow in tents surrounded by family members in fresh burial mounds and the ruins of their homes facing a brutally cold winter. Tens of thousands died in Balakot in the quake. Not one building was habitable. You and your young students sent warm, loving notes of encouragement to the children of Balakot, as well as blankets. That's why you were an incredible teacher and person. And a light for us all... one that will glow forever in our hearts. You made a difference in lives, near and far. It's the lasting gift of a teacher.

Jo Ann Mullaly

September 8, 2013

Nancy....Your wonderful smile lit up the room when you walked in. I was so lucky to count you as a friend. I will miss you.... Jo Ann Mullaly

September 7, 2013

I am very grateful for the time we have spent together through the years Nancy. The last Reunion was so special because I was able to have extra time with you going to the airport and having lunch with your son and his wife from Flagstaff. Many thanks to our teacher who brought all the pictures of us to share. Who knew we could sew. You will be missed and remembered by us all. Nancy Joseph

Traci Snyder

September 5, 2013

I know one thing. Nancy was a beautiful and loving mother. She opened her doors and her arms to me one Thanksgiving during my short stay at CalArts with her amazing and beautiful daughter Pam. I will never forget her generosity. Beautiful lady indeed. I love you Pam. I am sending you all my love and prayers.... xoxoxo

Sally Mckay Gray

September 5, 2013

What a blessing it was to see Nancy and visit with her briefly at our 50th reunion. I will always remember her sweet ways and loving heart. Our best to her family and friends.

Jim Hartsfield

September 4, 2013

Nancy was a great lady and classmate CG 1962. I know she will be missed by all. My prayers go out to the family!

Bill Pederson

September 3, 2013

Casa Grande produced some wonderful folks, including Nancy. My deepest condolences to the Kipp and Butler families.

September 3, 2013

What a wonderful lady and a friend that I haven't seen since our combined reunion in Casa Grande at least 25 years ago. I will keep Nancy and her family in my prayers. Love, Judy Hansen Mellor

Betty Johnson Rowsell

September 3, 2013

Nancy was a quiet spirit...much like her brother, Gary. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. I was a classmate of Gary's but knew many in Nancy's class. We all will look forward to seeing her again in the future! Prayers of comfort for the family are being sent your way!

Frank Lowe

September 3, 2013

Nancy, I will remember you as a truly nice and beautiful person. I have sweet memories of you during our "growing years." Thanks for being a friend.

September 3, 2013

Nancy wa a very good friend in high school and I will always remember her wacky sense of humor. She a very speical woman and full of life. She will be missed by all of us who were touched by her warmth and kindness.

Peggy Schoen Bennett

September 3, 2013

I remember Nancy as the little sister of Gary...both of them quiet, but full of life. I remember when she was the Rodeo Queen, and I thought she sat the horse very well. She will be missed. She gave love throughout her life and made a difference.
In loving memory, Betsy Walker Smith

mark nupen

September 3, 2013

I was so fortunate to chat with Nancy last year at the reunion. Most of us went our ways over the years since 1962, but memories of Nancy are still there. Will keep those and best to your families, Nancy.

September 3, 2013

A very special lady. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all. She will be missed by many.

Kenny Burrell

Beverly Kephart

September 3, 2013

I have great memories of Nancy as a friend and classmate in Casa Grande. Both my Father and her Father were great friends. Dad always missed Dunc. And I will miss Nancy. I also have great memories of our friendship and fun times in San Diego. It was so good to visit with her at our 50th class reunion. Good memories will always be with me.

Marcus Stern

September 3, 2013

Nancy was and always will be an angel. She will be remembered and missed. Best wishes to Ray, Ed and Pam.

Karen Shaw

September 3, 2013

Nancy was such a wonderful mentor, dedicated teacher, and friend to me as I started my teaching career at Chollas Elem. and then moved over to Nye . She had such an impact on so many lives , and will be remembered as a true light in this world.

September 2, 2013

Being your "rookie" at ASU created memories that will last me a lifetime. a true friend and wonderful spirit.

Rose Marie Scott-Blair

September 2, 2013

Ray,
Having lost Michael to pulmonary fibrosis, another auto-immune disease of the lungs, I, too, know the pain of watching your once energetic, active partner struggle just to walk down the hall. It is such a cruel end to a beautiful life. In the two years since I lost him, I've made every effort to remember him as the vital, handsome man he was--not the old guy with the oxygen. I'm sure that you will do the same. And I can tell from your beautifully written obit that she was a great gal who had a wonderful life. Enjoy and treasure all those memories.
All my best, Rose Marie

Patricia Dbsie

September 2, 2013

Ray, your sweet words took flight to heaven and Nancy is smiling. Sweet.

September 2, 2013

Even people who make their living with words struggle to find the right ones at a time like this. But I know that there are no "right" words; only a sincere wish that in your pain, you can take some solace in how much Nancy was loved and admired...my thoughts and prayers to you, Ray.
Mary Curran-Downey

Adrienne Krause

September 1, 2013

You leave your loved ones many memories. Ray was your most avid fan.

Susan Foster

September 1, 2013

Nancy was my true friend for 37 years. Words cannot express how much I will miss her and the friendship we shared. She was one very special, loving and generous woman and I'm truly honored to have known her. Rest easy, dear friend.

Gussianne Adamo

September 1, 2013

Dear Nancy, I will miss your smiling face, your upbeat character, the lady in the truest sense of the word that you indeed were. I will also miss our golfing outings where we laughed and never took it to seriously. Having worked with you I realized what an amazing teacher you were!
Love from a former Nyette!!!