DODGE CITY – Mary Claire Shipps, 82, died Saturday, October 21, 2023 at her home in Dodge City, Kansas.

She was born June 1, 1941 at Washington, D.C., the daughter of William and Mildred (Hull) Wickes. She graduated from Dodge City High School in 1960. She briefly worked for Skaggs Motors and the courthouse for a short time when she was younger. After having children, she was a homemaker and volunteered many hours with the PTA as a classroom mom at Lincoln Elementary School. She also volunteered with the Salvation Army working in the Thrift Store for many years. She was a member of St. Cornelious Episcopal Church and served on the Altar Guild in Dodge City.

Mary Claire loved her animals most of all, any stray animal needing a home shortly found one with her. She enjoyed watching football especially the Kansas City Chiefs. She was known for walking around town for miles with her dogs and her daily coffee group at McDonalds.

On March 4, 1961 she married Frank Dean Shipps at St. Cornelius Episcopal Church in Dodge City, Kansas. He preceded her in death on January 17, 2023.

Survivors also include: 2 sons, William Shipps, Kenai, Alaska and Scott Shipps, Dodge City; a daughter, Jennifer Shipps, Dodge City; Grandchildren, Jessica Shipps, Markayla Shipps, Courtney Shipps, and one grandson; and extended family; her beloved dog, Ash; and her close friends that she always considered her family.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother, John R. "Jack" Wickes II, and nephew, James Wickes.

Funeral Service will be Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City with Fr. John Seatvet presiding. Burial will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Dodge. Visitation will be Wednesday from noon to 8:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel with family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The family suggests memorials to the Dodge City Animal Shelter in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.