
Rita “Claudine” Hippard
1943 – 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of (Rita) Claudine Barnes Hippard, affectionately known as Deanie. She was born April 9, 1943 in Okeene, OK, to Claude and Rada (Berry) Barnes, and left the loving arms of her family at home, Edmond, OK, on December 5, 2024.
Claudine graduated from Okeene High School (’61), and thereafter, received a degree in Elementary Education from Northwestern OK State University. In both those institutions, she held leadership positions in many extracurricular activities. Friends and family describe her as sweet, kind, honest, determined, Christian, loyal, and having a good sense of humor. She was definitely someone people liked being around.
She began her teaching career in 1965 in Colorado Springs, CO, and over the next 40 years, also taught in MO, FL, NJ, VA, TX and OK. During that time, she raised her two children, Michael and Kimberly; earned her Master’s Degree; owned/managed a beauty shop; and still found time to provide love and support for her husband of 58 years, John, an FBI Agent.
Hundreds of children have led better lives for having Claudine as an elementary school teacher. The last 20 years were spent at inner-city schools where it was often necessary to provide extra patience, love, and understanding, as well as, supplies, food, and clothing from her own resources and ingenuity. When she would refer to her students, it would be, “My little Sammy/Sheronda…” as if they were her own. Many a night she was found in her easy chair with a stack of papers to grade, until she could no longer hold her eyes open. She was quite passionate about teaching children to read, and early-on became a Certified Alphabet Phonics teacher. Eventually, leaning over those little desks all day caught up with her, and she retired in 2008.
In 2010, Claudine started her last career which was a nanny, known as Grammy, when her first 2 grandchildren were born. The next few years brought her 3 more grandchildren that kept her busy. Of course, she attended their events, and especially liked taking them to swim lessons. They were her pride and joy.
Claudine’s health started declining about 5 years ago with a type of Parkinson’s. As a result of a fall in early 2024, she required care 24/7, which was handled by her husband and children, as well as, sister-in-laws, Marilynn Gassen and Claudia Barnes, to whom the family will be eternally grateful.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Joan McDonald and niece, Tina McDonald. Survivors include her husband, John, of the home: son, Michael (Crystal) Hippard, Guthrie, OK; daughter, Kimberly (Tyler) Griffin, Guthrie, OK; brother, Harold Barnes, Lacey, OK; brother, Douglas (LeeAnn) Barnes, Okeene, OK; special cousin Patricia Bruster, Norman, OK, and grandchildren, Dalton, Wyatt, and Lilleean Hippard, as well as, Gracelynn and Gaines Griffin, along with many nieces and nephews. She was a member of Chapter BP P.E.O., Norman, OK, and St. Luke’s Methodist Church, Edmond, OK.
A Memorial Service will be held on December 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Matthews Funeral Home, 601 S. Kelly, Edmond, OK 73003. Contributions may be made in Claudine’s honor to the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance (www.Oklahomapa.org/donate), or Northwestern OK State University Foundation (www.ournorthwestern.org/donate).
The service will be live streamed, to watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
What a wonderful, meaningful life Deanie led!
We know she appreciated what John and family and friends did for her.
We saw John in June which was a treat. We will hold John and family in our thoughts and prayers while they are healing.
What a lovely and caring woman she was, with a beautiful and loving family. She will be missed by all the Sutton family.
Deepest Condolences to the family during this sad time.