Mary Tipton

Age 81, a resident of Albuquerque since 1960, went home to her Lord on January 9, 2013. Mary Lou was born on August 27, 1931 in Nowata, OK. She was the beloved wife of Donald Tipton for 61 years. She and Donald have four children, Patricia Hodges and husband, Dave of Bremerton, WA, Susan Griswold and husband, Ted of Gainesville, FL, Gary Tipton and wife, Sandy of Albuquerque, and Greg Tipton and wife, Rachael of Sandia Park, NM. They have eight grandchildren, Amanda Ruehle and husband, Ben of Bremerton, WA, Sally Ulrey and husband, Nathan of Loganville, GA, Dustin Hodges of Albuquerque, Lt. Luke Griswold of Lemoore, CA., Katie Tipton of Purcellville, VA, and Ben, Jessica, and Danny Tipton of Albuquerque. They also have four great-grandsons, Isaiah, Gabriel, and Elijah Ruehle, and Remnant Conrad Ulrey. Mary Lou is survived by her sister, Martha Martin of Fort Morgan, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents, Berl and Bessie Deen of Delaware, OK, and her brother, Darrell Deen of South Coffeyville, OK. Mary Lou lived a life of service to others. She was a member of Hoffmantown Church where she served as Caregroup leader and assistant director of their Sunday School class for many years. Mary Lou loved children. She spent time as a Girl Scout Leader and Cub Scout Den Mother. She tutored many children in math and reading, and volunteered as a school librarian. She was also a gifted gardener loving flowers of all kinds. Friends may visit on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, January 14, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at Hoffmantown Church, 8888 Harper NE, with Pastor Ken Moore officiating. Interment will take place on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 11:15 a.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ted Griswold, Dave Hodges, Dustin Hodges, Ben Tipton, and Danny Tipton. Lt. Luke Griswold is an Honorary Pallbearer. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to Hoffmantown Church.