Bert Leroy Shipley was born December 16, 1928 in Clearmont, MO to Elva and Mattie (Kelley) Shipley. Bert entered into eternal peace on October 1, 2025 at his residence in Maryville, Missouri. He was lovingly welcomed into eternal life by his wife Fonda who he dearly missed since her passing on July 17, 2024.
His early days were spent in Clearmont and Burlington Junction where he attended school. On December 7, 1946 he was united in marriage to Fonda Faye Pelster in Troy, KS. They resided in Burlington Junction before moving to Shenandoah. The couple were married for 77 years! What a blessing and a testimony to us all.
As a young man, Bert worked as a farm laborer and then took on employment with Henry Fields. He committed the majority of his lifetime to working for Dean Farnsworth Trenching for some 50 years before his retirement. During his retirement years you could find Bert and often Fonda tagging along, delivering prescriptions and groceries for Hy-Vee in Shenandoah. A job he truly loved. Bert and Fonda were longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Shenandoah.
In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking and spending time with family. He always told the best stories and could make anything out of wood that a person could think of. He enjoyed making yard ornaments, quilt racks and book shelves just to name a few of his creations. His family has many wonderful keepsakes that were made just for each of them with his own hands.
He was welcomed into heaven by his beloved wife Fonda; daughter Debra in infancy; son James Shipley and 8 siblings. Those left to pass on his stories include his daughter Linda Linebaugh and husband David of Hopkins, MO; son Jeffrey Shipley and wife Marcia of Ankeny, IA; 8 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; brother Don Shipley; sisters Georgia Sheridan and Terry Glasgo; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and several friends.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at the Wabash Memorial Chapel in Shenandoah at 11:00 a.m. The family will greet friends at the funeral home one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery. A memorial is currently being established.
