Jeanne Helen Bedinger 1918-2010

BEDINGER CHIPMAN HIPSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/15/2011 at 16:16:02

Sioux City Journal
11 August 2010

SIOUX CITY -- Jeanne Helen Bedinger, 92, of Greeley, Colo., formerly of Estes Park, Colo. and Sioux City, died Aug. 7, 2010 at Grace Pointe in Greeley.

Inurnment services at the Estes Park Community Church will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Allnut Funeral Service - Macy Chapel in Greeley. Friends may view the online obit, sign the guest book and send condolences at www.allnutt.com.

She was born May 11, 1918, to Ethel (Chipman) and Merrick Hipson, in Lynn, Mass., where she spent her early years. The family moved to Savannah, Ga., when she was a teenager. She attended Savannah's Armstrong Junior College and the University of Georgia, where she was a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.

On June 16, 1941, one week after college graduation, Jeanne married Walton E. Bedinger Jr. Following Mr. Bedinger's military service in World War II, they moved to Sioux City. In Sioux City, Mrs. Bedinger was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School, was a member of the Memorial and Gifts Committee, and was the chairman of the deaconess board. She was also a member of P.E.O. and served as president of the Travelers Club, an organization dedicated to the continuing education of its members.

In 1986, the couple moved to Estes Park, Colo., where Jeanne had wanted to retire ever since she first became aware of the town and its spectacular setting. She was a member of the Estes Park Community Presbyterian Church and of P.E.O. Chapter GJ. The couple moved to Greeley, Colo., in 2001.

Jeanne always wanted to be a pilot, and she earned her private pilot's license in 1970. She went on to earn commercial, multi-engine, flight instructor, and air transport pilot ratings. She taught many flight students and flew many charter-plane hours. At the time of her retirement, she was chief flight instructor for Graham Flying Service of Sioux City.

Jeanne was an FAA Accident Prevention counselor and served several years on the Sioux City Airport Advisory Board. She was a life member of The Ninety-Nines (The International Organization of Women Pilots) and served two terms as chairman of the Iowa Chapter.

In 1976, Jeanne and a friend entered the final All Woman Transcontinental Air Race – the famous Powder Puff Derby. Flying Mrs. Bedinger's Piper Cherokee Arrow, they finished first among first-time racers.

Mrs. Bedinger is survived by her husband; sons, Walt (Karen) of Greeley, Colo., and Philip (Traci) of Sioux Falls, S.D.; daughter, Kathryn McDougal (James) of Tucson, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Memorial gifts may be made to the International Women Pilots, PEO International Peace Scholarship or Kappa Alpha Foundation, Inc. in care of Allnutt, 702 13th St., Greeley, CO. 80631.