KATHERYN FLIPPO

August 18, 1937 – December 15, 2023

Bakersfield – Katheryn Flippo was born in Ada, Oklahoma, the youngest of 3 daughters, to Ervin and Corine Cook. She attended local schools and graduated from Ada High School and East Central College with her BS degree and Teaching Credential. She was married to her best friend, Graydon Flippo, for 54 years before his passing in 2012. They had 2 daughters and in 1965 the family relocated from Norman, Oklahoma to Bakersfield, California where Katheryn and Graydon both pursued teaching careers.

Teaching was Katheryn's passion for 38 years. She was much admired for her teaching abilities and was very well respected but what was more important to her was that she truly loved and cared for her students. She enjoyed nothing more than watching the class grow in all aspects from the first day of school to the last. Lucky was the student that had Mrs. Flippo as their teacher. She taught at Harris Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary and Olive Knolls. The majority of her career, 30 years, was at Roosevelt Elementary where she was a beloved 2nd grade teacher.

In 1967, Graydon and Katheryn were part of a small group that founded Westside Church of Christ. Katheryn served on countless wedding showers, baby showers, luncheons, hosting guests, having Bible studies in her home and for many years, teaching children's Sunday Morning Bible class.

In 2000, she retired from teaching to care for her oldest daughter, Kim, who suffered a traumatic brain injury following an ATV accident. She and Graydon also became the legal guardians of Kim's two youngest children and loved and raised them through that difficult time.

Katheryn was fiercely protective of her family and was the type that would swim any ocean, climb any mountain or stop any speeding train (by herself), whatever it took, to ensure that we were loved and cared for. She worked tirelessly in everything she did and was a wonderful example of a serving spirit. She will be remembered and honored for all her sacrifices and love. We are so grateful and blessed that she was in our lives. Though she will be missed, we know she is in heaven reunited with Graydon and many other loved family members and friends. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me though he die, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” John 11:25-26

She is survived by her sister Drew Lynn Smith, daughters Kim Rimmer, Melissa Michelau, grandchildren Dawn Rimmer, Austin Rimmer, and Alyssa (Jaren) Sanchez, great-grandchildren Dakota Oliver, Gavyn Craig, Trenton Craig, and Jayme Sanchez, nieces Laura (Rob) Pellettieri, Karen Yurosek and nephew Terry (Kelly) Smith.

A special thank you to Christina, Maria and Curtis at Gables Residential Care for the love and concern shown to Katheryn during her last couple of years. She truly enjoyed her time with you and appreciated so much the care she received.

Per her wish, there will be no funeral service but there will be a celebration of life for the family at a later date.

Katheryn will be buried next to her devoted husband Graydon at Greenlawn Southwest.