Blanche Chipman

Blanche Lou Lovekamp Chipman - lovingly known as Blanchie Lou - passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at the age of 89, at the Villas Senior Care Community in Sherman, Illinois. Born during a full lunar eclipse on July 16, 1935, in an apartment above the town's gas station in Arenzville, IL, Blanche's life began under extraordinary circumstances -a fitting start for a woman who would live such a full and vibrant life.

She graduated from Beardstown High School in 1953 and went on to marry the love of her life, Donald L. Chipman, on October 7, 1956. Their marriage was a shining example of partnership, lasting 65 joyful years until Don's passing in 2022.

Blanche held many jobs over the years - from Bohn Aluminum, the Virginia Country Club, Woody Sudbrink Insurance Agency, and running the Campus Inn next to the high school to her years with the State of Illinois Department of Revenue. She later retired from the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office, though "retirement" for Blanche meant working part-time at the United Way in Beardstown and continuing to serve others in every way she could.

Blanche's strength and practicality were balanced by deep compassion and a fierce love for her family and friends. She was the heart of every gathering, the keeper of traditions, and a second mother to many. Her door was always open, her home always full, and her love truly limitless.

Her joys were profound but straightforward: picking strawberries and making homemade ice cream every Memorial Day, gardening and coaxing flowers into bloom (especially her beloved pink lilies, now growing across the country thanks to her generosity), and summers with her grandchildren in Beardstown. She was known for giving trees and shrubs a "good haircut" - sometimes a little too enthusiastically - and even occasionally needing the fire department's help when her burning got out of hand.

Blanche loved feeding birds, especially hummingbirds, and delighted in watching them out her window. She was extremely patriotic and politically active in the Cass County Republican Party, a volunteer in the Exchange and Lion's clubs, a lifetime member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a faithful attendee of countless Tiger, lllini, Cubs, and Bears games with Don. She found joy in singing, golfing, bowling, and playing bridge. She enjoyed traveling, including frequent visits to Hawaii with her niece Amy's family and Christmases in Denver with her sister Ally.

Blanche loved Jesus deeply and met the world with unshakable joy, boundless passion, and extraordinary grace. Her love radiated in a way that made everyone feel uniquely seen, heard, and cherished - as if each person were her very favorite. Rooted in her proud German heritage, her life reflected quiet discipline, strength, and a profound sense of purpose.

She was the heart and matriarch of her family - a guiding light and everyday hero. Blanche's laughter was a gift she gave freely, brightening every room and lifting every spirit. Time spent with her left you feeling lighter, better, and more whole.

With wisdom shaped by experience, she shared her stories with warmth, grit, humor, and just the right touch of sass. Her faith was deep, her love enduring, and her legacy immeasurable. The echo of her grace will resonate through our lives and in generations yet to come.

Blanche was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald L. Chipman; parents, Robert Henry and Minnie Marie Roegge Lovekamp; Siblings, Glen Lovekamp, Letha Ryan, Francis Cooper, Jeanette Foster, Byron Lovekamp, Dale Lovekamp, and Alice Binder; grandson, Benjamin Reynolds; and several dear nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her son, Matt Chipman (Kathy) of Valrico, FL; grandchildren: Jonathan Hanlon, Haley Sanders (Michael) - and great-grandchildren Tripp, Jak, and Alice; and Josee Chipman; her daughter, Lesli Reynolds (Doug) of Springfield, IL, and granddaughters Ella and Lucy; sister-in-law Wyllia Lovekamp; numerous beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cherished friends - all of whom were blessed by her fierce love and boundless generosity.

A service to celebrate Blanche's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown, with Reverend Keith Kettner officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 9:30 until time of services on Saturday at the church. Colwell Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials have been suggested to St. John's Lutheran Church. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her legacy a light that will shine on forever.