Judith K. "Judy" Lipina

Judith Karen Lipina, 76, of Berne, Indiana passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023.

She was born on January 28, 1947 to the late Reverend Doctor Melvin L. Gentry, who passed away on March 4, 2013 and the late Annie K. “Kathleen” (Simpson) Gentry who passed away on March 2, 2021.

Judy was united in Marriage to Arthur “Art” Lipina on July, 9, 1971.

Judy 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. Judy 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 Judy, 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 6th Grade; however, 3rd 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.

Judy 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.

Survivors include her husband, Arthur “Art” Lipina of Berne, Indiana; two sons, Andy (Jennifer) Lipina of Knoxville, Tennessee and Aaron (Ashley) Lipina of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Alison (Daniel) Strausbaugh of Marion, Indiana; 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.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at West Missionary Church with Pastor Keith Rupp officiating. Burial will be held at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.

Family and friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2023, at the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Preferred memorials can be given to    Melvin L. Gentry Fund at Southern Wesleyan University (checks payable to Southern Wesleyan University) or Lifewise - South Adams.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana