Mary Jane Hippen, 85, of Wellsburg, passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the United Reformed Church, 608 S. Adams St., Wellsburg, IA. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14th from 5 to 7:30 PM at the Doyen-Abels Funeral Home in Wellsburg and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the funeral service at the Shiloh Cemetery in Wellsburg. Memorials may be directed to the United Reformed Church or to Cedar Valley Hospice.
Mary was born on January 23, 1929 at her family home in Grundy County, Iowa, the daughter of John G. & Grace (DeBoer) Abbas. She grew up in Grundy County where she attended school, later attending and graduating from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, where she earned her teaching certificate. On May 18, 1948, Mary was united in marriage to Raymond A. Hippen at the East Friesland Church in rural Ackley. The couple resided on a farm north of Wellsburg and welcomed three children into their family. In 1972, Mary & Raymond moved into town. Mary worked as a teacher and taught country school in the area but also spent time as a homemaker. She later worked in environmental services at the Ackley Presbyterian Village for over 30 years, when she retired.
She was a member of the United Reformed Church, where she was actively involved in the Ladies Aide and other church committees and activities. Mary was a 4-H leader for 15 years. She enjoyed gardening, reading and loved to nurture her houseplants. Mary especially loved reading the bible and hosting coffee and teatime.
Mary is survived by her daughters Marilyn (Jerry) Adelmund of Parkersburg & Donna (Harold) Crosser of Iowa Falls; daughter-in-law Patti Hippen of Flandreau, SD; 10 grandchildren & 15 great-grandchildren; sister Nellie Harken of Aplington, brother John J. (Lucille) Abbas of Wellsburg and sister-in-law Ann Card of Parkersburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Raymond; son Arnold R. Hippen; brother William "Bobby" Abbas.