Our loving mother, Mary (Sowards) Skipp, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2018 at Birchaven Village in Findlay, Ohio. Born October 9, 1926 in Midwest, WY, Mary was the biological child of William and Anna Beliel. Following her mother Anna’s death in 1930, at the tender age of 4 years old, Mary was placed in the harsh and scary foster care system of the depression. Soon, Mary was beatified with adoption into the kind and loving family of George and Florence Sowards.
Mary’s life was blessed and adventurous with transfers and travel as her father George pursued a successful career with the Ohio Oil Company. One such transfer sent the family to Findlay, OH in time for Mary to go to Findlay High School where she developed many lifelong friendships.
Mary also attended The Ohio State University. One day when Mary’s boyfriend became ill, he convinced his roommate – William Skipp – to take his place on a date with Mary planned for that evening. That night Mary and Bill both met the love of their lives! They were married on September 10, 1949 at the First Presbyterian Church in Findlay, OH, with Bill’s roommate as best man.
Mary worked tirelessly to support Bill’s academics at Ohio State and, upon his graduation with a degree in Geology, Mary was again rewarded with their new assignment in Casper, WY.
Mary’s adult life was much like her childhood, new friendships made in every new town every time they were transferred; from Cody, WY, Rawlins, WY, Salt Lake City, UT, and then back to Casper for the formative years of her children’s upbringing. Mary’s life was filled with civic activity and many, many hours working for and chairing in the Wyoming Republican Party. It was during those numerous occasions that the family dinner was without Mary and with a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Throughout her life and regardless of location, when asked where she was from, Mary would quickly and proudly reply, “Wyoming.”
Mary returned to Findlay when Bill was transferred to the International Group of Marathon Oil Company. Her many hours were filled with old and new friends, and most importantly her countless monumental bridge games with her Mom at the Findlay Country Club.
Although her health declined in later years, Mary was always upbeat, never complained, and worked very hard at not being a “bother” to her caregivers. One of the greatest moments of her life was the celebration of her 90th birthday – children, grandchildren, and four of her great-grandchildren were all there to help make merry.
Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Bill Skipp. Left to honor Mary and remember her love are Mary’s son Steve, wife Dawn; their son Paul. Mary’s son George, wife Rebecca; his son Chris, wife Stacy, their son Grant and daughter Kaitlyn; his daughter Danielle, her son Luke; his daughter Jaime. Mary’s daughter Sue (Skipp) Parker, husband Tom Parker; their son William Parker, wife Sara, their son Thomas and daughter Abigail; their son Daniel Parker.
A private memorial service will be held for Bill and Mary in their beloved state of Wyoming.
HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd, Findlay (419-422-1500) has been entrusted with the arrangements.
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 (NIV)
7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in out body. 11 For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.
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