Norma Shipton

Norma Lorraine Shipton, of Rockton, IL age 90, passed away peacefully at her home on October 22, 2022 surrounded by the love and comforting care of her family.

The former Norma Kloepping was born to Martin and Irma (Hatton) Kloepping in Nora, IL on January 20, 1932.

After graduating from Stockton Community High School in 1949 she married the love of her life Arnold C. Shipton on March 11, 1950. They then moved to Woodbine and she and her husband had two sons, Jeffrey & Ryan. In 1961 the family moved to Rockton.

Norma was a detail oriented and organized woman. In her early years she was the bookkeeper for the Woodbine Creamery, the family owned business. Norma was a piano teacher for 70 years and taught right up to the beginning of the Covid epidemic. Norma was a member of Beth Eden United Methodist Church in Rockford, IL for over 60 years. She served as the church secretary for 20+ years under two pastors and also as a substitute organist. Norma played the piano in many special musical numbers. She organized, lead and participated in numerous groups at church. Her passion was performing in church dramas during which she became one of the most loved main stars (Miss Myra) and devoted many hours overseeing the Bethlehem Market Place. She will be truly missed at Beth Eden UMC.

Norma loved to be outdoors, tending to her yard, garden and feeding the birds. She liked camping and boating with family and wintering in Florida. She was an avid seamstress, loved to bake and play games with family. Her life's delights included working on word search puzzles, eating chocolate, drinking root beer and swapping jokes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; her son Ryan; her parents, Irma & Martin; her brother David; and her sister JoAnn.

Norma is survived by her son Jeffrey (Victoria), her brother Richard (Doris), daughter-in-law Sheryl, four grandchildren; Mark (Melissa), Lindsay (Derek Ferguson), Erin and Robyn, seven great-grandchildren, former daughter-in-law Kristy, former granddaughter in-law Maren, a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Beth Eden United Methodist Church, 3201 Huffman Blvd Rockford, IL with Reverend Brett Todd officiating. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of service, Wednesday. Burial to be in Rockton Township Cemetery, Rockton, IL

Memorials may be made to Beth Eden United Methodist for the Music Ministries.

To view additional details about Norma's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/norma-shipton