JACKSON CENTER — The staff and students at Jackson Center High School are mourning the loss of their co-worker and teacher.

Holly Tipple, 49, of Bellefontaine, who was the high school Spanish and English teacher, passed away Monday of complications from pneumonia. She had taught at Jackson Center for 28 years.

“The death of Senora Tipple is an incredible loss for our school district,” said Superintendent Bill Reichert. “She was an outstanding teacher and someone that truly loved our students and school.”

Reichert said the high school students who want to attend her funeral will be excused from school to do so. All staff wishing to attend will also be covered, said Reichert.

“The students are working on ways that Senora will be memorialized and remembered,” he said.

A memorial service for Tipple will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 316E. Patterson Ave., Bellefontaine. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Eichholtz, Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in Bellefontaine.