What does a women of courage look like in a time of social turmoil? Johanna personified courage, a sense of social justice, and a compassionate heart.
Johanna Lips was born in Burstadt, Germany on October 17, 1928. She grew up at a time with joining the Nazi party was a requirement of all youth. In spite of the danger, constant hunger, and being cold, her parents taught her to love all people and be compassionate to those in need. Johanna lived this creed by serving her family, friends, and neighbors to the end of her life. Despite the hardships of her personal circumstances, Johanna endured from outside sources, she was not bitter and always found a reason to be grateful. She had a complete reliance on God and her personal angels.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob; her parents, Robert and Apolonia; and her sister, Loni.
She will be missed by her nieces, Johanna and Gaby; and nephew, Herbert, in Germany; and her childhood friend, Anita Nesmith, of Columbus, Ohio; and her local friends who love her like family.
When she met her husband, Bob Clay Rentie, he was in the Army, and she worked at the BX. She chose Bob because he had a reputation for integrity and kindness. Johanna joked her family loved Bob more than they loved her. They moved to the United States in 1952 and eventually Colorado Springs when he retired from the Army. She became an American citizen in 1959.
Coming to the United States in the 50s meant she and Bob could not eat together at a public restaurant, could not sit together on the public bus, and could not stroll together downtown and often could not go to personal homes of her acquaintances. Johanna demonstrated her love for humanity by her daily interactions.
Johanna worked serving others by cleaning houses, restaurants, retail sales, and Human Resources. After twenty-five years of service her bonus from Woolworths was a $1,000 savings bond. She retired after thirty-four years of service. Johanna joined Bob on March 24.
Johanna will be celebrated on Sunday, from 1 to 5 PM at her residence.
Interment, 12:00pm, Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Fort Logan National Cemetery, staging area A. Please bring stories and prayers to share.
Star and Fred Harmon
31 Mar 2023Thank you for loving us
Genie Gipson
31 Mar 2023Johanna I have known you since I was a little girl. You watched me grow up and all my children grow up and have their kiddos, When mom worked downtown I would walk down and see you at Woolsworth. You and my grandmother were great friends and my mother had known you since she was 16 an had done your hair for over 40 years. You have always been family to us and we loved you so much. RIP and now back with the love of your life. With Love Genie, Loura & Family
Anonymous
31 Mar 2023Yes she did consider you as family.
Simone Harvey-Olivieri
20 Oct 2023Aunt Hannah, I wish I was notified of your passing. You were my God-Mother. I loved you very much. Sorry I was not able to come and see you before you passed. I would have liked to have your photos. May you rest in peace. Love you❤️
Simone Harvey-Olivieri
20 Oct 2023Also I miss Uncle Bob, you both always had a tea set for me, I also remember swinging on the weeping willow in front of the house. Oh and Uncle Bob’s bass guitar in his room.❤️