Obituary of Richard Duane Shipley

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Richard Duane Shipley, who passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2022 after a short, but difficult battle with cancer. Richard (Rick) was born August 28th, 1949 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Robert Bruce Shipley and Alta Jeanne Butler Shipley. He was the middle child of Robert and Alta Jeanne, with an older sister, Brenda Jeanne and younger sister Carole Ann. He grew up in the Salt Lake area and graduated from South High School in 1967. After completing two years of schooling at the University of Utah, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1969. He went on to complete a tour of Japan in 1971 and was discharged with the National Defense Service Medal as a result of his service in the Vietnam War. After returning home, Rick worked at various casinos and other industries. Eventually, he moved to St. George, Utah where he met Karen Zimmerman-Smith. He and Karen had a son, William B. Shipley in 1989. They moved to Lake Tahoe shortly thereafter. In 1993, Rick moved to Gridley, California to be closer to his sister Brenda and spent the remaining years of his life in the Yuba-Sutter area. In 2000, he met and married Kathleen (Kathy) Peel and became step-father to four children: Jeremiah, Rebecca, Philip, and Zachary. Rick and Kathy lived a full life together in Yuba City until his passing. Rick had an earnest zest for life and enjoyed playing guitar, painting, playing bridge, and following baseball. He was known for his charismatic and giving personality-Rick never knew a stranger and all were a friend to him. He was a true example of what it means to love one's neighbor with complete selflessness. Rick's membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints meant the world to him and he regularly helped the missionaries in testifying of the Savior Jesus Christ and teaching His gospel. Rick found great meaning in the virtue of service, regularly making his own beef jerky and dried fruit rolls that he shared with anyone and everyone. He had a fondness for his community, particularly the elderly population, and regularly volunteered to help them in various capacities. He took joy in his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by many, but we look forward to seeing him again and are comforted that he is in the presence of those who have gone before him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alta Jeanne, and his sister, Brenda. He is survived by his wife, Kathy, son William, stepchildren Jeremiah Sanderson, Rebecca Anderson, Philip Sanderson, Zachary Peel, and grandchildren Naomi Anderson, Joseph Anderson, Tymothy Sanderson, Luke Sanderson, Isaac Shipley, Anya Shipley, and sister Carole Chevrier. A viewing will be held at Ullrey Memorial Chapel (817 Almond St. Yuba City, CA 95991) on Monday September 12th, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 pm. A funeral will follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (520 Clark Ave. Yuba City, CA 95991) Tuesday September 13th, 2022 at 10:00 am. Burial will be at a later date and a private service for family.