Mary Elizabeth Sipes

For all those that knew and loved Mary Elizabeth Sipes, it is with great sadness and heavy heart that her family announces her passing on May 23, 2017. Mary passed away suddenly of natural causes in the presence of Glenn Sipes her husband of 43 years. Mary was born in Lindsborg, Kansas on January 3, 1932, to Kermit and Margaret Webster. Mary lived in Ventura for over 73 years and graduated from Ventura High School in 1950. After graduating from U.C. Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, she return to Ventura to begin a teaching career that spanned over 30 years. While raising her two sons, John and Ron Gruell, Mary went on to earn a Master of Science in Physical Education from Cal State Northridge.

Mary was an active person whose specialty was teaching physical education at Ventura High School. She was known for leading the cheer squads of VHS for many years and also led the synchronized swimming groups at the school. Mary was loved and respected by all the kids she taught and coached throughout her 30 year career.

Over 40 years ago, Mary met Glenn Sipes and began a loving relationship that lasted the rest of her life. Mary was like a mother to Glenn’s two sons Marc and Michael Sipes. Throughout their years together Glenn and Mary enjoyed tennis, square dancing, concerts in Westwood and much time traveling, including theater trips to New York City. Glenn introduced golf to Mary and another love affair began. Mary became an accomplished and avid golfer. She competed in women’s league matches through Spanish Hills Country Club, where they were members for roughly 25 years.

Some of her other passions were her local sports teams, the L.A. Lakers and her very special Los Angeles Dodgers. She attended many games at Dodger Stadium over the years and loved to start the game saying the words along with Vin Scully…”It’s time for Dodger Baseball.” Besides her many activities and hobbies, Mary was a rich, warm, welcoming person with a smile on her face and exuded a sense of class, style and grace. An accomplished painter in her earlier years, these traits shined through in her many paintings she created and enjoyed.

One of Mary’s biggest passions was her garden, especially her roses. This led Mary to begin volunteering at the “Rose Story Farm” in Carpenteria. Danny and Bill, owners of the farm, became not only close friends, but, family along with their parents, Patty and Dahl. She was well known for leading public tours of the farm and detailed knowledge of the 120 rose varietals they produced.

Mary was preceded in death by son, John Gruell. She is survived by her husband, Glenn; brother, John Webster; son and daughter in-in-law, Ron and Sharon Gruell; daughter-in-law, Kim Gruell (late husband John); stepsons and daughter-in-law, Marc and Kate Sipes, Michael and Natividad Sipes; grandchildren, Rhyan Burrows (husband Timmy), Casey Alfonso (husband Mike), Dusty Gruell (wife Bianca), George Gruell, Aaron Gruell (wife Hollie), Brian Sipes (partner Brett), Kyle Sipes, Connor Sipes, Truman Sipes (wife Sophia) and Grant Sipes; great grandchildren, Madalyn, Riley, Logan, Kelsey, Jacob, Sierra, Devon, Ryder, Oakley, with Whitney and Carter yet to be born.

Mary would want no sadness in the lives of her friends and family, her thoughts would be with all of the people in her life, she would want everyone to smile with fond memories of times gone by.

The Celebration of Mary’s life will be held at Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo located at 999 Crestview Ave., Camarillo, on Thursday, June 1, 2017 between the hours of 4:00 - 6:00pm. This is an open time for friends and family to come and meet, share memories and enjoy a comfortable festive environment as Mary would have enjoyed. Beginning at approximately 5:00pm, we will have some time for all those who would like to share their memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Children’s Miracle Network c/o Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura. Condolences may be sent to

TedMayrFuneralHome.com