Judith Lipina

Judith Karen Lipina, 76, of Berne passed away Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023. She was born Jan. 28, 1947, to Reverend Doctor Melvin L. and Annie K. “Kathleen” (Simpson) Gentry. She was married July 9, 1971, to Arthur “Art” Lipina.
She was a faithful member of West Missionary Church. Before this, the family attended Grace Bible Church and First Missionary Church. She was actively involved in children’s ministry her entire adult life. She taught Sunday school, played the piano, sang in the choir, supported the AWANA program, acted as Sunday school superintendent for several years, volunteered to help with Bible school and started the Samaritans Purse Shoe Box Program at the church. She added a creative touch to all her teaching. She made God’s word relatable to children by using object lessons.
Teaching was not a job to her. It was a calling. She was a dedicated teacher at South Adams School for over 37 years, retiring in 2008. She taught all grades kindergarten through sixth grade; however, third grade by far was her favorite. After “retirement,” she continued to substitute teach, investing a total of 51 years in education. She cared about her students and co-workers.
She was a loving and adventurous mother and wife who was not afraid of a challenge. Hiking, camping and traveling were a mainstay in the Lipina household. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and poured love and wisdom into her entire family.
She is survived by her husband of Berne; two sons, Andy (Jennifer) Lipina of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Aaron (Ashley) Lipina of Fort Wayne; daughter, Alison (Daniel) Strausbaugh of Marion; two brothers, Daniel (Kathy Marie) Gentry of Thomasville, North Carolina; and Melvin “Larry” Gentry of Seneca, South Carolina; sister, Kathy Ann Gentry of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and seven grandchildren, DJ Lipina; Rachel Lipina; Areia Lipina; Silas Lipina; Ruben Lipina; Lucy Lipina; and Caroline Strausbaugh.
She was preceded in death by her father on March 4, 2013; and her mother on March 2, 2021.
Visitation will be Thursday, Sep. 14 from 4-7 p.m. at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service Sep. 15 at West Missionary Church in Berne. Officiating will be Pastor Keith Rupp officiating. Burial will at Marion National Cemetery in Marion.
Memorials may be made to the Melvin L. Gentry Fund at Southern Wesleyan University (checks payable to Southern Wesleyan University) or Lifewise-South Adams.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guest book, visit www.zwickjahn.com.