Leona Chipps

Leona was an amazing, gifted, loving woman. You have been impacted by her because she impacted your life in some way, maybe with encouraging words, loving conversations with her or through her, in being part of one of the many lives she touched. To tell you about Leona in a few short paragraphs would be impossible. You could write a book about her life and the lives that were shared with her. Leona “Lee” Chipps: Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Friend.

Leona has been preceded to Heaven to be with our Lord by her husband of 43 years, Harry Chipps, 12 of her siblings and a grandson. She is survived by 1 sibling, 5 Children, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. But that is only including the traditional definition of family. The list of who she considered family is too long to mention… The other people in her life that she considered family, the sons and daughter-in-law’s of her children and grandchildren, the babysitting “children and grandchildren” and their families the friends that became “siblings” and many others.

She was one of 13 children, 11 of which survived infancy. Born during the great depression she did not have an easy childhood. Her strength showed at a young age when she left the one room house that was being shared by 11 people. She started out paying her way by cleaning, doing laundry, ironing and other household chores. When she was older and working as a waitress in a truck-stop she decided to run away and join the circus. Well, at least run away with a man who hauled elephants for the circus, and together they shared 43 years of life in their own little circus.

Leona’s formal education was only through the 6th grade, but she was a smart woman. She was a self-taught tailor, baker, chef, musician and much more. Extra money was never a luxury she had. But her family never went without the necessities. If one of the girls needed a dress she would make one for her. She would supplement the family income by making the most beautiful wedding cakes you could imagine. She was the most creative cook ever known. No one else could stretch a food budget as well as she did. There was always a complete meal available. Whenever she could find the time she would sit at her organ and her hands, those soft hands would produce the most beautiful music. Her legacy will continue through the ages because her faith and love lifted her family and friends. Her love and generosity for God and everyone had no bounds. Was she flawless? No. Was she a saint? Yes. Because a saint is full of God’s presence, working through a life in a special way that reaches outward, sharing Gods love to change lives, soften hearts, and bring healing. And because of that, yes, she was a saint.

The simplest way to describe Leona is with pure love, pure agape, “Christ’s love.” She was gentle and kind. She taught us to love God and Jesus and to trust in Their love for us. Through our lives she spent time with us, wanting us to know about God and Jesus. Encouraging us with her faith and assuring us that God has a plan for our lives.

We deeply appreciate your love and support and thank God for your presence in ours and Leona’s lives.

In celebration of Leona's life a memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at 1:30pm at the Olinger Highland Mortuary Chapel located at 10201 Grant Street in Thornton, Colorado.