J-Lee (Dunbar) Sippel

DIXON- J-Lee Sippel, 81 of Dixon passed away on Monday, April 3, 2017 at St. Anthony’s in Rockford.

J-Lee was born on April 2, 1936 in Sterling, IL., the daughter of John and Helen Beckett Dunbar.  She married Terry Sippel on December 26, 1954 in Sterling. 

Surviving are her husband, Terry Sippel of Dixon; daughter, Deb (Kevin) Bowers of Dixon; son, Kevin (Rhonda) Sippel of Dixon; grandchildren, Heather (Troy) Johns, Matthew (Victoria) Bowers, Landen Sippel, Courtney (Ian Youngren) Sippel, and Ryan (Katy Beckingham) Sippel; four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Nancy (LeRoy) Duden and Karleen (Chuck) Bensinger.

In her youth J-Lee was a long-time equestrian.  One special ride was along-side Ronald Regan.  She broke many horses and looked quite stunning all decked out on her show horse. J-Lee also painted many beautiful landscape paintings and took many dance, voice and piano lessons. While raising her children she enjoyed playing the organ that could be heard throughout the neighborhood. Her voice training allowed her the opportunity to sing in a few weddings.

Not only did J-Lee have a love for horses and riding, she had an overall love for many animals.  She and Terry owned a pet store at one time. When she wasn’t caring for her animals she also enjoyed gardening and running.

J-Lee was a loving wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, and sister.  She loved to talk to anyone she met, and she will be greatly missed by all those that knew her.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April, 7, 2017 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 1121 N. Galena Ave., Dixon.  A Celebration of J-Lee’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 8^th, 2017 at the funeral home with Pastor Stanley Rodabaugh officiating.   Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made in J-Lee’s honor the Granny Rose Animal Shelter, 613 River Ln, Dixon, IL 61021, or to TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter, 100 TAPS Ln, Pekin, IL 61554.

 Service Information