Elsie M. Gipe

Aug. 30, 1918 - May 9, 2006

ARAPAHOE -- Elsie M. Gipe, 87, died at her home, Tuesday (May 9, 2006). 

She was born in Beverly, Kan. on Aug. 30, 1918, to Isaac and Bertha Edith (Wright) Conley.  She attended rural school. 

On July 27, 1941 she married Leonard Gipe Sr. in Norton, Kan.  The couple moved to Nappanee, where Leonard worked construction. They then moved with his job to Colorado.  When Leonard entered the service in World War II, she moved to Hendley, to be close to family. In 1959, the couple moved to Arapahoe to make their home.  She worked at the Good Samaritan Rest Home for 17 years.  After retirement she would go the home and write letters for the residence.  She was awarded the Volunteer of the Year award in 1994.  She also worked at the Derby Café in Arapahoe. She was a member of the Arapahoe Christian Church, Ladies Aide and taught Sunday school for many years. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Louella Butts; siblings: Bessie Beale, Cloyd Conley and Bud Conley; grandson: Mickey Albert Kyle; and two sons-in-law: Clarence Brakhahn and Virgil Beneda

She is survived by her husband, Leonard Gipe Sr. of Arapahoe; daughters, June Brakhahn of Arapahoe, Lynette and husband, Albert Kyle of Kearney; Susan Barnes of Holbrook,; Karen and husband, Ken Kunzenburger of Nickerson; a son, Leonard Jr. "Sonny" and wife, Charlotte of Holbrook: a brother Everett and wife, Alice Conley of Denver, Colo.; sister, Dorothy Schmidt of Red Oak, Iowa; 20 grand children; and 29 great grandchildren;

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary with Dale Winston officiating.  Interment will be in the Hendley Cemetery.

Lockenour Jones Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.