Coretta L. Sipe

Coretta L. Sipe, 93, of Berne, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 14, 2026, surrounded by her family at Swiss Village in Berne.

She was born on October 23, 1932, in Wallen, Indiana, to the late Norval and Lela (Lightle) Chamness. Coretta was united in marriage to Donald L. Sipe on December 31, 1953, in Berne, Indiana, and together they shared 72 years of unwavering love and devotion to one another.

She graduated from Adams Central High School in May of 1950. Coretta worked as a legal secretary for Baumgartner & Beitler Attorneys until her retirement.

Coretta was a member of Grace Bible Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a devoted follower of Jesus and lived out her faith daily through her kindness, generosity, and servant’s heart. Coretta was a faithful prayer warrior, lifting her family and loved ones in prayer throughout her life.

Coretta enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, and baking. Her hands were rarely still, and her family members treasure the gifts she lovingly created. She found great joy in playing games with family and friends, where her playful spirit brought laughter to every gathering. She was known for her contagious giggle, which often left everyone around her laughing until they cried.

Her home was a place of comfort and generosity. No one ever left without sitting for a while, and if you walked through the door, you were certainly leaving with something in hand—whether it was a homemade treat or something she had thoughtfully saved just for them. Giving to others brought her deep happiness, and her family will forever remember the way she made each person feel special and loved.

Coretta cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose legacy of faith, love, laughter, and generosity will live on for generations.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Donald Sipe of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Brenda (James) Sipe-Donahue of Scottsdale, Arizona; son, Ken (Tammy) Sipe of Fort Wayne, Indiana; daughter, Beth (Matt) Miller of Berne, Indiana; 11 grandchildren, Jessica (Aaron) Karsies, Jana Scripps, Michael (Maria) Scripps, Jordan Donahue, Josh (Lauren) Sipe, Amy (Chris) Todia, Kara (Jerod) Hevel, Nathan (Mia) Sipe-Powell, Eric Sipe-Powell, Alyssa (Grant) Moser, and Taylor (Adam) Lehman; and 22 great-grandchildren.

Coretta was preceded in death by her son, Doug Sipe; great-granddaughter, Hadley Moser; and two brothers, Raymond and LeRoy Chamness.

Private family services will be held, and burial will take place at Backesto (Springhill) Cemetery in rural Berne, Indiana.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana