Jeanette Mae Lipps

1926 - 2024

Jeanette Mae Lipps, 98, of Hart, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Monday, June 24, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born to Frank and Mattie (Reames) Fenton on May 11, 1926, at home in the Village of Mears. Jeanette attended Mears School through the 10 th grade and then transferred to Hart Public Schools, graduating in 1944.

Jeanette developed a strong work ethic at an early age, due to her father owning a hardware store in Mears, as well as being a fruit and produce buyer from local farmers. At age 13, she would be found after school in her father's store, and at harvest time, a clerical worker weighing fruit and preparing checks for payment to farmers.

After graduation she worked for two insurance agents and then began working at the former Oceana Hospital as a receptionist, and later, getting involved with medical records and medical transcribing. She was also recognized by Ferris State University School of Allied Health for assisting medical record students during their required internships.

Following Jeanette's time at Oceana Hospital, she then went to Paulina Stearns Hospital until 1994, and then came to work at Oceana County Medical Care Facility where she devoted her time and talents until her retirement at the age of 90.

A familiar face at the funeral home as well, Jeanette started her employment with the Tate Funeral Home, in Hart, in 1984, and had continued to work at visitations for many of her fellow community members and friends until 2023.

Jeanette was also very involved on many local projects and was an unwavering proponent for change when it was needed. She truly had a passion and a love for Oceana County and was proud to support local neighbors and businesses, or provide support to anyone in need. She held many positions on local boards, such as: Past President and Charter Member of the Northwestern Michigan Association of Medical Record Librarians; 27 year board member and Past Chairperson of the Western Community Mental Health Board serving Oceana County, Mason County, and Lake County; substitute secretary for the Oceana Hospital Association; advisory board member to the Muskegon College of Business and Technology; and a past consultant to area nursing homes and medical care facilities.

Jeanette was a strong, stately, proud woman. She was known for her style, fashion, and the way that she carried herself and treated and respected everyone equally. Jeanette described herself as an "avid shopper" both on QVC and on shopping trips with her family and friends. She also noted that she had the opportunity to witness so many different seasons and Christmas time was her absolute favorite. All who she opened her home to were able to enjoy her warm and unique holiday decorations and her hospitality.

Jeanette is survived by: her son, Bradley A. (Martha) Lipps; three grandchildren, Daniel Lipps, Cory Lipps, and Amanda Lipps; four great-grandchildren; and a host of caring friends.

Jeanette was preceded in death by: her husband Lavern A. Lipps in 1982; her son, Gregory L. Lipps in 2014; her parents, Frank and Mattie Fenton; and her siblings, Clifton Fenton, Norman Fenton, and Violet Frost.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 29, 2024, at St, Joseph Catholic Church, 2380 West Jackson Road, Hart, MI 49420, with Fr. Phillip Sliwinski presiding. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2024, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, 2370 North 72 nd Avenue, Hart, MI 49420, and also on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at the church. Interment will be in Hart

Cemetery. Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King- Hart Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.www.beaconfh.com