Monika Fischer Flippin
Monika Fischer Flippin was surrounded by beloved family members as she transitioned peacefully on November 30, 2023 in Petersburg, WV following a sudden illness. She was born in Honsolgen, Germany on December 13, 1948 to the late Margit Julie Lebeth and Hans Josef Fischer. Monika, along with her mother and brother, immigrated to the United States on March 17, 1957 and their family settled in Fort Seybert, WV. She led an unintentionally adventurous childhood both in Germany and in West Virginia, amassing a vast collection of incredibly fascinating stories of her childhood.
Monika was a top graduate of the Franklin High School class of 1967 and was active in band, choir, and 4-H where she earned her Allstar pin. She earned a BA from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. On August 22, 1970, she married Jim Flippin, and they went on to create an abundant life with their two daughters, who she loved unconditionally and supported tirelessly. She invested her career in public service, improving communities throughout Pendleton, Hardy, and Grant counties for over 25 years as a social worker with the WV Department of Health and Human Resources and teacher in the various county school systems. As the owner and operator of Sweedlin Greenhouse, she and her mother raised countless seedlings, including beautiful flowers and unique varieties of local heirloom tomatoes that she named after the South Fork families who shared the seeds.
Monika was the definition of a kind and empathetic soul. She was renowned for her selfless spirit and boundless generosity, both of which she shared with reckless abandon with nearly anyone who was lucky enough to cross her path. No one in the community was forgotten as she found joy in sharing her time, homemade bread, cookies, garden vegetables, flower bouquets, and handmade Christmas wreathes. She always had room to add one more seat at the dinner table and welcomed anyone to sit down and share a delicious homemade meal. No one left her house hungry or empty handed.
She practiced a life of diligence, and her talents were many-- a beekeeper, target shooting with a custom made 45 cal. longrifle, champion homebrewer, teacher, chef, piano player, gardener, photographer, nature enthusiast, singer, mother, grandmother “Omi”, and friend. Her gardens were a masterpiece, and she enjoyed canning and preserving the food that she produced. She and her husband, Jim, were a remarkable team in every aspect, enabling them to accomplish far more than any one person could on their own. They undertook all projects and adventures together including building their own homes and managing the gardens and forests on their property.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Jim Flippin of Fort Seybert, WV; daughters Cecelia (Jeff) Teagarden of Fort Seybert, WV, and Jennifer Flippin (Jacob Metheny) of Fort Seybert and Moorefield, WV; half-sister Barbara Linke (Klaus) of Germany, half-brother Andreas Fischer of Germany; nieces, Laura Gilkeson (Jason) of Bridgewater, VA; Emily Hernando (Jose) of Greensboro, NC, Julie Levy (Benjamin) of Florida, and Melanie Nevermann (Christoph) of Germany; and her highly adored granddaughter Bethany and honorary grandson Edison. She also leaves behind numerous cherished friends who she considered as family. She was preceded in passing by her brother Hans Joachim “Butch” Fischer, mother Margit Julie Lebeth Dahmer, and grandmother Friederike Schuldes Lebeth.
In honoring Monika’s wishes, she was cremated, and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, 2-4 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV.. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you celebrate Monika’s memory by pausing for a moment to share your time and gifts with someone around you, send flowers to a friend, or share a meal with someone. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.
