Anna "Rita" Shippey

Anna "Rita" Shippey, 90, of Rome, New York and formerly of Ballston Lake, New York, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, March 24, 2025 at Colonial Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Rome, New York.

She was born on February 2, 1935 in Trier, Germany and was the daughter of the late, Casper and Catherine (Lamberty) Braun. Rita was educated at St. Bonifatius in Germany. Rita met Gary L. Shippey while he was stationed with the United States Air Force in Germany.

The couple wed on August 15, 1968 in Trier, Germany. Shortly thereafter, Rita and Gary moved back to the United States and raised their family.

She was formerly employed at Shenendehowa High School as a custodian for 20 years until her retirement. Rita also worked for Grand Union in previous years. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling, cooking and entertaining. She was a member of the Amity Reformed Church in Vischers Ferry, New York. A loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, she will be dearly missed by her family.

Rita is survived by her children, Gabriele Adams and her husband, Mark of Rome, NY and Thomas Shippey and his wife, Amber of Rutherfordton, NC; Bella Schneider of Phoenix AZ, grandchildren, Sean Adams, Stephanie Wakeman and her husband, Earl, Garrett Shippey, Myels Shippey, Giesela Schneider, and Nicole Adkins and her husband, Justin; and great-grandchildren, Liam Wakeman, Charlotte Wakeman, Charlotte Adkins, and Madelyn Adkins. Damon and Alia Williams.

She was predeceased by two children Dieter Wengler and Margit Zieske; siblings, Meta Braun, Anni Braun, Jacob Braun and Ernie Braun. In keeping with Rita's wishes, there will be no formal services. She will be buried alongside her husband, Gary at Amity Church Vischers Ferry Cemetery in Vishers Ferry, New York. The family is being cared for by locally owned and family operated, Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329, Cremations and Funerals.

The Shippey family would like to thank the staff at Colonial Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center for all their care and compassion that was shown to Rita for the last year she was a resident there.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Shippey Family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for her online memorial book.

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