Leona Schipper, a longtime member of the Martin Reformed Church, died Thursday, July 4, at the age of 87.

Leona was born on July 19, 1936, in Coopersville, to Clifford and Marian (Busman) Veldman.

She married Bert Schipper on Oct. 7, 1960, and they shared 53 years together until his passing in 2014. They had three children: John, Jim and Barb.

Leona kept the books for the family farm and made big noon lunches for the guys working on the farm and there was always room for more at the table. She loved flowers and gardening. She loved and adored her grandchildren, attending sporting and school events to support her children and grandchildren.

Leona had a servant’s heart which included sending many cards. She was an active and well-loved member of Martin Reformed Church, where she taught Sunday School and organized the Children’s Choir. She was the head librarian at the church for more than 40 years.

She also knitted over 100 prayer shawls and she made dish cloths as well as many baby blankets and burp cloths. Leona was well known for her homemade cinnamon rolls and hamburger buns.

Leona is survived by her children: John (Laurel) Schipper, Jim (Lori) Schipper and Barb Schipper; her grandchildren: Mike (Kaylin) Timmerman, Derek Timmerman, Scott (Michelle) Timmerman, Sara Schipper, Ben (Carly) Schipper and Emily (Nathan) Straub. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband Bert; her siblings: Marilyn (Cal) Meindertsma, Jay (Ginny) Veldman, Sharon (Don) Young and her sister-in-law Verdena Schipper.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at the Martin Reformed Church; 1073 W Allegan St, Martin. Her funeral will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, July 8, at the church. A private committal service will take place prior to the funeral. 

Memorial donations can be made in Leona’s name to the Martin Reformed Church.