Sandra Karlene Lippincott

We have come together today to celebrate the life of Sandra Karlene Lippincott. Our family would like to thank everyone for their support and love during this difficult time. We are especially thankful for the efforts made by our family from Colorado, Nebraska, and Tennessee for making the trip on short notice to show their love and support. We also really appreciate all those who could not join us today, but shared kind words and prayers.

Sandra was born on November 13 1935 in Liberal Kansas. She past on November 25, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her parents were Eugene and Oma Fearn. Her mother married Howard Cooper later in life. She had six siblings. Two older sisters, Theresa and June, one older brother Gary, two younger sisters, Rochelle and Lenora, and one younger brother Craig. Of which June and Lenora were able to be here today. Thank you for coming. Grandma married Gail Blaine Lippincott on June 26, 1954. I remember Grandpa telling me the story of how they met. He was so smitten by her that I could still hear it in his voice many years later. She was a friend and partner to her husband Gail. She was always willing to put in as much if not more work. They were able to overcome many adversities, take many risks that most would not because of their commitment and love for each other. Grandma was solid, and Grandpa was adventurous. Grandpa told me how worried he was when they bought their house in Anaheim. The mortgage was something like $150-$200 dollars. But he knew with Sandra by his side they would make it work. Together they made a pretty formidable team.

They had four daughters Karlene, Debbie, Cheryl, and Patricia. From those four daughters came eleven grand children of which I’m the oldest. Fourteen great grand children not including one that is on the way. My Grandmother was a tireless worker. She had many careers, and owned several small businesses throughout her life. One career that I draw great pride and inspiration from was her work on the Apollo 11 Lunar Module. She worked for North American Rockwell during the Apollo program as an Electrical Specialist wiring the control panels. During her time there she received the Snoopy award for employee of the year. I remember stories of her not only working and having children, but also finding the time to maintain a healthy happy home. Taking her girls out for dessert or coming home from work and preparing meals for the family. She never complained or asked for recognition. Grandma was truly the strongest woman I’ve ever met. She was reserved, quiet, and loving. She enjoyed spending time with family the most. Some of my fondest memories were spent at my grand parents house for the holidays or for family gatherings. When I was young it felt like my own home. It was normal to me to spend time with my whole extended family at grandmas house. It really wasn’t until my wife Mayra told me years later that was something that really attracted her to me that I realized it wasn’t always the norm. So thank you Grandma for that as well. I remember Christmas there with all my aunts and uncles and cousins staying the night. We played cards talked laughed it was really something to cherish. Christmas was good for us kids, not only because all the presents stacked to the ceiling, but that was the one day out of the year we were allowed to walk in the formal living room. Grandma used to make us use this carpet rake to get the footprints out of the carpet on any other occasion. It was kinda neat because she really didn’t have a lot of rules but that was one for sure.

So I mentioned cards right. As Michael Cooper has said numerous times that is our family’s claim to fame. That too was something Grandma thoroughly enjoyed. I remember as a child I couldn’t wait to sit at the adult table and play. Grandma was good at cards, but she was also sneaky as some of you know.

While preparing this eulogy I tried to figure out how she became such an amazing person. While there are many reasons I am sure I would like to point out a few. Her parents must have been amazing people. They gave her a solid foundation of love and faith. That coupled with her wisdom, and work ethic shaped her life. She was our Matriarch.

In the Bible Mathew 7:24 says “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Sandra was this families rock. She built a beautiful foundation for this family to thrive. I see her strength and love in her daughters. Thank you for all that you have done for Grandma these past few years. I know it has been heart wrenching. That strength has been passed forward to your children, and grandchildren. My only wish is that we can honor her legacy with a life of compassion and strength. I have no doubt as I look around this Chapel today that we will honor what she has built. We will pass the foundation that was passed to us to our future generations together. This family is strong and together we will get through this tough time. I love you all. Thank you.