Obituary for Sandra Lee Lipes (Blankenbeckler)
Sandra “Sandy” Blankenbeckler Lipes, of Salem, passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on August 15, 2020. She was born on June 12, 1943 and was preceded in death by her husband, Walter “Buddy” Martin Lipes, Jr. and her parents, William “Bill” and Grethel Blankenbeckler.
Sandy was a longtime member of the Salem Presbyterian Church in Salem and the Salem Garden Club. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her compassionate and inviting personality, and her unwavering strength and faith.
Her surviving family includes her son, Walter “Wally” Martin Lipes, III (Stephanie); daughters, Deborah Lipes White (Carlton “Skip”) and Julie Lipes Shires (Scott); grandchildren, Brittany Lipes Gurley (Tyler), Ashleigh White Watson (Aaron), Michael White, Morgan Shires, Grace Shires, and Ginny Shires; and a great grandchild, Paisley Gurley. Other surviving relatives include her uncle, George Blankenbeckler of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Judy Lipes Garst (Reid), a host of nieces and nephews; and a special friend and Debbie’s mother-in-law, Barbara Miller of Roanoke.
A special thank you to Sandy’s caregivers at Salem Terrace and Gentle Shepherd Hospice of Roanoke for your loving and compassionate care.
A graveside service will be held on August 22, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem with the Rev. Janet Chisom officiating.
Sandy was a longtime member of the Salem Presbyterian Church in Salem and the Salem Garden Club. She will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her compassionate and inviting personality, and her unwavering strength and faith.
Her surviving family includes her son, Walter “Wally” Martin Lipes, III (Stephanie); daughters, Deborah Lipes White (Carlton “Skip”) and Julie Lipes Shires (Scott); grandchildren, Brittany Lipes Gurley (Tyler), Ashleigh White Watson (Aaron), Michael White, Morgan Shires, Grace Shires, and Ginny Shires; and a great grandchild, Paisley Gurley. Other surviving relatives include her uncle, George Blankenbeckler of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Judy Lipes Garst (Reid), a host of nieces and nephews; and a special friend and Debbie’s mother-in-law, Barbara Miller of Roanoke.
A special thank you to Sandy’s caregivers at Salem Terrace and Gentle Shepherd Hospice of Roanoke for your loving and compassionate care.
A graveside service will be held on August 22, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem with the Rev. Janet Chisom officiating.