Marguerite Shipp

Marguerite Z. Shipp, 85, Benton, passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2011 after a recent illness. Marguerite was born to George W. and Immer Mae Narx in Blytheville, Arkansas on March 28, 1925. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, John U. Shipp; infant daughter, Brenda Karen Shipp; her father, George W. Narx; mother, Immer Mae Narx; sister, Agnes Marie Jackson; brother, George Gene Narx and a infant great-granddaughter, Kingsley Shipp. Marguerite was a member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by her sons, Nick U. Shipp and wife Brenda and Michael R. Shipp and wife Kim; daughter, Lisa Kay Comstock and husband Russ all of Benton; sister, Edna Bea Stromire of Blytheville; five grandchildren, Shelly Campbell and husband Dustin of Benton, Tara Rushing and husband Eric of Benton; Randy Shipp and wife Dawn of Long Beach, California; Peyton Shipp (7) and Presley Shipp (4) both of Benton; two great-grandchildren, Emily Rushing (13) and Ethan Rushing (10) both of Benton and she was Aunt Grete to many nieces and nephews. Our Mom loved fishing with our Dad whether floating the White River for trout or crappie fishing on Lake DeGray. During their years together, they lived in Blytheville, Chicago, Michigan, Little Rock and finally Benton since 1969. For many years, she was President of Benton Equipment Rental & Sales, Inc. and part owner of Shipp Mid South Sales, also in Benton, both family businesses. Her life journeyed many interesting places. From chopping cotton in Mississippi County, Arkansas, to washing bottles at the Coca Cola plant in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was one of the first women to drive a school bus in the 1960's in Blytheville. She loved working at the Holiday Inn Restaurant in Benton, Arkansas where she made many friends, and finally working with her children and husband in the family businesses from 1976 until 2000. Most importantly, our Mom was a housewife and loving mother to her children, as she watched her family grow over the years. Services will be at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton on Saturday, February 19 at 2 p.m. with Henry Shipp ministering. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Visitation will be Friday, February 18 from 6 until 8 p.m. All are invited. The family wishes to thank all those who helped comfort Marguerite during her illness, and for the many thoughts and prayers from loving friends and relatives. She will be missed. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.