She was born on December 23, 1923 in Bad Axe, MI to Walter R. and Florence F. (Yaroch) Polewach. Her father founded the Polewach Store chain with mercantile stores located in many cities in the “thumb” area of Michigan.
She was married to Judge Robert L. Shipper for 40 years after they met at Michigan State College. She supported him during his years as a sales representative with Chrysler Corporation, completion of his law degree, career as a prosecutor, private law practice and then election as the first 52nd District Court Judge in Oakland County, MI. During this time, Betty also worked as a school teacher and returned to college earning her Master’s Degree which enabled her to perform testing for children with learning disabilities to determine the specialized instruction they required. She taught elementary education in the Berkley School District and later retired in 1985 after 21 years in the Rochester Community Schools.
Survivors include her son, Jeffrey Shipper of San Diego, CA; daughter, Jennifer (Ed) McKenzie of Morton, IL; grandchildren, Nathan Sailors of Ft. Myers, Florida, Stephanie Sailors and Dustin Sailors of Morton, IL and Ginger (Shane) Woodhouse of West Valley City, UT; great-grandchildren; Owen Watts, Draven Woodhouse, Clover Woodhouse and Atticus Woodhouse.
She is preceded in death by her parents and one daughter, Jayne Johnson.
Betty will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family for her consistent love and support of their endeavors. She had a beautiful smile which she used often and it will be sorely missed along with her beautiful blue eyes. She had a love for decorating and entertaining and would spend a good deal of time looking for “just the right touch”.
Per her wishes cremation has been accorded.
Memorial contributions in Betty’s name may be made to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation at www.dravetfoundation.org in recognition of her great-grandson Owen who was born with Dravet Syndrome.
Online condolences may be made at www.remmertfuneralhome.com
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