Alma L. Shipman, 97, of Webster, Illinois passed away Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 8:35 A.M. at the Memorial Hospital in Carthage, Illinois.

She was born December 28, 1910 near Colchester, Illinois, the daughter of Luther and Rosa Knoedler Martin. On June 30, 1930 she married Fred Shipman in LaHarpe, Illinois. He preceded her in death on February 27, 1950.

Mrs. Shipman was a graduate of Western Illinois University where she earned a Masters Degree. She taught in small country schools in Hancock and McDonough Counties from 1927 - 1961. She then taught third grade at the Plymouth, IL Grade School until she moved to the Colchester School District in 1965 where she taught fourth grade and later special education. She retired from full time teaching in 1975 but continued as a substitute teacher for many years. She was a charter member of the Rural Home Missionary Association and was active with the Red Cross. She was a member of the Webster Community Church where she had served as secretary/ treasurer, played piano and taught the Adult Sunday School class from 1948 - 2004

She is survived by 2 daughters, Viola Henson and Carlene (Wilbur) Scheuermann both of Webster, 4 sons, Charles (Ruth) Shipman of Rocky Ford, Colorado, Darrell (Jo) Shipman of Abilene, Texas, Bill (Dixie) Shipman of Webster and Duane (Joan) Shipman of Webster, 1 daughter-in-law, Cordelia Shipman of Springfield, Missouri, 25 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, 1 sister, Alleyne Shumate of Fountain Green, Illinois and 1 sister-in-law, Opal Brodie of Hamilton, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her husband, 1 son, Gene Shipman, 1 daughter, Rosa Elaine Shipman, 4 grandchildren and 3 brothers, Virgil, Irvin and Vernon Martin.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, November 15, 2008 at the Webster Community Church with Ron Klassen, Robert Tillman and Charles Shipman officiating. Burial will be in the Webster Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 PM Friday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Friday. A memorial fund has been established for the Rural Home Missionary Association or the Mission Aviation Fellowship.