Lisa Lynn Sipes, age 49, of Bowling Green, received her angel’s wings and has made her greatest trip ever-to heaven- on April 17, 2017. Lisa was a devoted Christian. She loved attending church and reading her bible. Lisa is now totally healthy, singing and dancing in Heaven.
Lisa was born August 11, 1967 in Toledo, Ohio to Theodore L. and Josephine M. (Bunde) Sipes. Her father, Ted preceded her in death. Lisa is survived by her beloved mother, Jo; her aunt, Gina McCormick in Norwalk, Connecticut; and her uncle John (Julie) Bunde of Montgomery, Texas.
Lisa’s early school years were in Dearborn, Michigan and Miami, Florida, before the Sipes family settled in Bowling Green, Ohio. Lisa earned her Gold Award in Girl Scouts. She especially loved 4-H, even competing in state competition for wood working project. The Wood County Fair was such an important part of her life. Many entries were submitted in handicrafts, hobbies and model departments where she won blue ribbons both via 4-H and open class division. Lisa was most successful in photography, where she won Best of Class for Youth in the Open Division and a rosette.
In 1995, Lisa represented the United States at the Special Olympic World Games. She earned two bronze medals in aquatics. Lisa carried the 1996 Atlanta U.S Olympic torch. As a torch bearer, she carried the Olympic torch on Mercer Rd in Bowling Green. Prior to the run, Lisa could be found at Bowling Green State University track, jogging with a baseball bat in hand to learn to hold the weight and keep the fire from her hair. Lisa also carried the torch at the Opening Ceremonies to the Ohio State Special Olympics Games in the Horse Shoe at The Ohio State University.
Lisa always loved adventure whether it be traveling to or attending concerts, especially country and Christian music. She also loved attending BGSU basketball games and Toledo Mud Hens baseball games.
Lisa was a life member of the Wood County Historical Society. As a teenager, Lisa worked summers as a curator assistant. She loved to attend the many events offered at the WCHS, especially the teas. Lisa also attended the classes offered by the Wood County Park District; she was so curious about nature and history. And as an avid reader, Lisa was a friend to any book store.
As the years went by, Lisa achieved success in the workplace. She especially enjoyed working at KFC and the Sentinel Tribune in Bowling Green.
Lisa served as a 15-year volunteer for the Life Connection of Ohio, both in the office and at community outings.
Lisa’s family would like to thank her Wood Lane family for years of support. They also like to offer a special thank you to the doctors of the University of Toledo Medical Center, especially Dr. John Winder and the fourth floor nursing family.
Visitation for Lisa will be on Friday April 21, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 PM in the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, 1460 W. Wooster St., P.O. Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Lisa’s funeral service will be held on Saturday April 22, 2017 at 10:30 AM in the funeral home. Lisa will be buried beside her loving father Ted in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bowling Green.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Wood County Special Olympics, 1921 E. Gypsy Lane Rd., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Online condolences, as well as fond memories may be sent to Lisa’s family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
