Ron Shipley

Ron Shipley, 71, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at his home in Atlantic.

Ronald Eugene was born on May 8, 1949, in Nampa, Idaho, the son of Melvin and Mary (Clark) Shipley. Early on in life his family moved to a farm in rural Kansas where he learned about country living and the value of hard work. The family later moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where he attended school and enlisted into the United States Marines. He served from 1966-1968, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton during the Vietnam war.

After his time in the service, he met and married Pamela Helm in 1969, and relocated to Springfield, Missouri where they were blessed with daughter, Tina. He later returned to Des Moines where he started working in the landscaping and roofing businesses. In the early 70's Ron married Jacque Shipley and they were blessed with two daughters, Kari and Jenny. He later married Mardell Brown and relocated to Las Vegas where he continued working various landscaping jobs.

Ron married Betty Slemp in 1994, and the couple moved to Atlantic. He continued working in landscaping and also worked as a welder, cleaning crew chief with Service Master, Environmental Supervisor at Atlantic Nursing and Rehab Center and a janitor at Walmart.

Ron was an avid fisherman, football fan, card player, poet, and lover of animals. Above all he looked forward to spending time with his family and friends; speaking fondly of his grandkid’s accomplishments. Ron had a good sense of humor was always one to help anyone in need; he was a great neighbor.

Ron will be deeply missed by his significant other, Mardell Shipley of Atlantic; daughters, Tina (Shawn) Mitchell of Springfield, Missouri, Kari (Mark) Lachacz of Grimes, Iowa, and Jenny (Charles) Hart, of Irving, Texas; step-daughters, Rose Campbell and Bonnie Campbell; step-sons, Michael (Deb) Cornelius, Robert (Holly) Weddle, and Chad Weddle; grandchildren, Jacob, Madison and Kileigh Lachacz, Kelcie (Cody) Thomas and T.J. Ford; step-grandchildren, Raymond Cornelius, Antonio Rivera, Jay (Michelle) Stuetelberg, April (Angelo) Costanzo and Misty (Thomas) Ginapp and Robert's children; great-granddaughter, Tinsley Thomas; step-great-grandchildren, Desire (Brandon) Haggard, Micah Stuetelberg, Jordan Grandgeorge, Jordan Costanzo, Emmalee Costanzo, Jayden Campbell, and Ethan, Brooke, Bella and Jaxon Cornelius; step-great-great-grandchildren, Piper Haggard; brother, Lonnie (Elizabeth) Shipley; sisters, Sandy Brenzier and Carolyn Doddema; several beloved cats; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty Shipley; former wives, Jacque Shipley and Pamela Helm; Mardell’s parents, Wesley and Laverne Brown; step-son, Joe Campbell; brothers-in-law, Ron Brenzier and Floyd Doddema; and nephew, Lonnie "Toot" Shipley.

Open visitation, with no family present, will be held from 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Sunday, January 24th at Roland Funeral Home followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The service will be live streamed at the link below and will be available a few minutes before service time.

Burial will be at a later date in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the family for the purchase of a tree in Ron’s memory.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Ron’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

Slideshow and Service (service starts at 3:27):