Lois Jean Phipps

Lois Jean Phipps (Black) passed away on January 1, 2015. She was 92. A Michigan native, she lived in Minocqua the last five years of her life.

“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” – Winnie the Pooh

My mother instilled the love of reading in her children by being a voracious reader herself and by reading to us as youngsters. My fondest childhood memories include her reading A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh books aloud.

Unconventional, fiercely independent, strong-willed, full of spirit and spunk… these are just some of the traits I think of when remembering her.

Born in Detroit, Michigan on July 30, 1922, daughter of William James and Marguerite Matilda Black (Fairfield) and beloved granddaughter of Scottish immigrants, she loved to recount their stories of the Highlands. She adored animals, was an accomplished equestrian, and spent most of her childrearing years on a farm in the country – a lifelong dream of hers.

She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Bill Black, and her eldest daughter Peggy Bannon (Hines). She is survived by four children, Mike Hines, Melissa Sovey (Todd Ahrensdorf), Kate Phipps and Stacey Gordon (Phipps); 10 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

In lieu of a memorial service, the family will be gathering for a private celebration of her life.

My mother had a favorite saying at the end of each day that I now hear my children repeat to their own babies. “See you in the big, fat, juicy morning” she would say. I always thought of this as a reflection of her joy for life. She will be missed as a mother, friend, grandmother and great grandmother.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.