In memory of my friend, Kip pops up in my dreams and I am reminded of so many "Kipisms"...most recently was as midwives change and adapt to work in medical institutions and are so busy that they cannot maintain a 1:1 supportive and comforting role that is being a midwife, it will open the door to another group who will step in and take over that responsibility. 

For months I have been searching for words to convey the depth of emotions and sorrow that accompanies your passing, of which none adequately communicate the ache of your void. You are such a creative, inspirational, and determined force- you created spaces for expression or art and birth that ripples for many generations. The pivotal impacts of your existence, have been revolutionary. Daily, I think to/about you, and am filled with remembrances and the sensation of warmth being in your presence. I can feel your hands on mine as you fill my heart, and mind with your midwifery wisdom. In the classes I teach, so often phrases you uttered or lessons you inspired are shared with the next generations of midwives, and it sparks my heart with gratitude and love for you, and the ache of your loss. You are a reason I am forever determined to pursue avenues of reproductive advocacy, and I hope to carry an ounce of the light you have shown so brightly. Humbled by the limitations of time (and transportation- remember all the times my car left me stranded but always would make it to-from the birth!?!), like an amaryllis with buried wishes, I wish I could have told you more frequently how important you are to me; I wish I could have been more of a support to you and your family... I wish for you to know how special you are, how much I love you, and how utterly thankful I am to have been your 'beetle-apprentice'. I love you forever. ..... My heartfelt support continues with each of your family members.... as the shock wears and the reality of her physical absence is ever present with the passing days, it sucks...and though it doesn't change the harshness of the situation, my heart is with you through the ups and downs and the journey. (hugs)

Dr Joe, I’m so sorry to learn this! I think about you often. I am hoping you are keeping busy with your grand children 

I loved Kip. She was very influential to me as a young midwife in 1980 in the Lansing area. She taught me so much about being a woman and a mother, and about being a "guardian of normal birth." Thank you, Kip, for all you so generously gave to others.

Read February 3, 2024, at Kip’s Celebration of Life.

I’m Libby Bogdan-Lovis. I met Kip in 1978. Over these shared 46 years, indisputably, Kip was the most interesting, creative, brilliant, kind, wise and passionate person I’ve been privileged to know. In 1980, along with co-founder Susan Cope Ekstrom, we established the Consumer Taskforce on the Childbearing Year. Others soon joined - Katchen, Lynette, Sameerah, Mary, and many more. We sought to generate positive change in facilitating normal birth. When I understood more about Kip’s unconventional personality, I commissioned t-shirts with the Taskforce logo on the front and a caution on the back. The caution read, “I am a very creative person, and it often takes a lot to satisfy me.’” And creative she was – the Consumer Taskforce went on to organize trend-setting local, regional, and statewide conferences. True to form, Kip’s MO was to launch “out of the box” oftentimes startling initiatives, which she then cultivated, and which, in turn, attracted kindred souls, many of whom are here today. Kip and I shared confidences, we brainstormed, planned, organized, cried, laughed, and at times, screamed in frustration over the Sisyphean tasks of establishing normal birth for normal healthy women. A little-known fact is that our mid-Michigan labor support work laid the groundwork for subsequent research establishing national recognition for doula support.

In the 1980s, Kip decided that WE NEEDED TO EXERCISE! She suggested that we meet to play the game of “racquetball.” In truth, we didn’t know, or care about game rules, we didn’t count ball bounces, we didn’t keep score. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t try to return the ball because we did. We tried our hardest. And as we ran around the court “like crazy women” we had an obscene amount of fun. Memorably, one day as we were exiting the court after a particularly lively “game” Kip observed that even if we didn’t follow rules, the “game” challenged us to visually track the fast-moving ball. And so, undoubtably, this activity was especially good for our “orbits.” You heard that right, she was commenting on the health of our eyeballs – a benefit certainly high on my list of exercise regimens! She saw my incredulous look. Infectiously, she began to giggle, and chortle, and overwhelmed with laughter we rolled around on the court floor.

As the years passed we got together less frequently. Most recently, we would arrange an afternoon at Schulers’ bookstore. In fact, my calendar indicates that we did so last year on January 20th, and then the next month, Katchen joined us on February 17th. While I don’t recall specifics of those afternoon soirees, I’m certain they followed our usual interactional pattern. We’d provide updates on those we cherish most. Kip loved her family, passionately, deeply, and unconditionally. Joe, you’ve always been “the one.” And her four children – your Mom derived ongoing satisfaction from the fact that like her, each of you revere the sacrament of family as you raise your own kids. She’d start: Kate, kind, clever, and like your Mom, a biting wit. Liz, “her father’s daughter,” but like your Mom, adeptly juggling family with dedication to your caregiving profession. Ben, always a steady family presence - and in case there’s any lingering doubt, with high praise your Mom commonly observed that you’re “a REALLY good man.” And flower child Molly, who, like your Mom, embrace adventure, unconventional creativity, and exploration. And then she’d move on to sibs, and grandchildren, nieces, etc.

This past August Kip again suggested that WE NEEDED TO EXERCISE. She insisted that we return to the racquetball court. What? Did I hear that right? I said “Come on Kip. Consider if you will, our creaky old joints, your knee replacement, my hips, etc.” I put her off. But then I began to reconsider. I’d played racquetball with another 80+ year old friend who played the game gently, like she was catching butterflies. I thought maybe, just maybe we could do this. And so, in September, I began to soften up to the idea. But then she took ill, or as she said, her “brain broke.” And I now treasure the needlepoint she made for me in 1987, with lettering that reads “Racquetball is good for your orbits.”

Sorry for your loss Kip was an exceptional person and will be missed

Mary and David Kozlowski 

Kip will be remembered as a ‘ray of sunshine’.  I can only imagine the void she has left in so many lives.

Deepest Sympathy 

I was so sorry to hear about Barbara "Kip"'s passing. She was one of the most phenomenally vibrant, funny, bold, gifted, wise engaging and loving and incredible person.  She blessed us with her passion, her being, her children and family!!   She is already immensely missed!  Sending love to her family, friends and community she loved!  

We were so sorry to hear about Kip's passing. She was such a a help and comfort to us when we were having our babies.

I am Clarice Winklers sister-in-law.  What a pair those two were.  Clarice would tell me stories about her and Kip and barely get them out because she was laughing so hard.  Kip was always so kind and gracious to me and everyone.  I’m sure Clarice is knitting baby hats in heaven and Kip is taking a much deserved rest for a while.  There will be mischief, laughter and who deserves it more than those two.  

Kip was one of the midwives who cared for me at the Greenhouse Birth Center. I was a stressed-out and miserable pregnant woman. I will never, ever, forget the compassion that she showed me in that difficult part of my life. Her advice and words of wisdom carried me through to the end of pregnancy with my sanity intact. Words could never fully express my gratitude. 

It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Barb but I’ve heard so much about her from Cindy. I know she was loved and will be missed by many friends and family. Sending my sympathy . May the memories give you peace.