Raffies Andrew Shipley

Ralph Shipley, the son of the late Hugh and Mary Elizabeth Bradall, was born in Piggott, Arkansas on December 17, 1912, and passed away at the Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston, Missouri on June 18, 2007, at the age of 94 years, 6 months and 1 days. Mr. Shipley had lived in Bloomfield, Missouri for many years before moving to Sikeston, Missouri five years ago. He was a retired farmer and was a member of the New Beginning Fellowship Church in Sikeston, Missouri. On March 2, 1940, he was married to Leodith Colvin in New Madrid, Missouri. She preceded him in death on January 4, 2003. Surviving are two sons, Steve Shipley of Sikeston, Missouri, Jerry Chisholm of Advance, Missouri; two daughters, Elizabeth Tison of Bloomsdale, Missouri, Jennolia Leathers of Dexter, Missouri; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; and twenty-three great great grandchildren. Many other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Jennivee Chisholm, one brother, Dewey Shipley, and four sisters, May Colvin, Gerturde Morris, Mertle Edwards, and Rosie Irby. Friends may call on Tuesday, June 19, 2007, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at 2:00 PM in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, Missouri, with the Rev. Bill Martin of Sikeston, Missouri officiating. Interment will be in the Bloomfield Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri in charge of arrangements.