W. Ronald Shippen

W. Ronald Shippen, 83, of Menan Idaho, passed away Sunday February 28, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. He was born July 16, 1932 in the family home in Menan, the oldest son of Charles W. and Ruth Tomblinson Shippen. He grew up in Menan and lived there his entire life. He attended school in Menan, Midway, and graduated from Rigby in 1950. He was involved in Basketball and Football, and had a great love for sports. After High School he attended Ricks College until he was needed at home to assist his parents in running the family farm. He met the love of his life Lorna Cottle in High School, and they married in 1952 in the Idaho Falls Temple. He took great pride in raising beautiful crops and had a passion for raising Hereford Cattle. He farmed and ranched all his life in Menan and surrounding areas. He was chosen Farmer of the Year twice, and also Jefferson County Conservation Farmer of the Year. Their farm was owned by his Great grand-father who settled in the area in 1879. In 1979 they were awarded a Jefferson County Century Farm. He served on the Jefferson School Board for 11 years, and was Chairman of the Board when the High School was built in 1987. He served on the Annis Little Butte Cemetery Board, as President of the Independent Irrigation Canal Board and as Water Master for many years. He served as President of the Idaho Farm Bureau, and was a member of the ASCS Board for Jefferson County. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Bishop, High Council member, and spent many years working with the Young Men in the ward. He had a strong testimony of the gospel and found joy in serving and helping other people. His influence has been felt by many people. The world is a better place because of him. He was a devout husband and father whose family is grateful for his example and love. He loved to laugh, and delighted in sharing stories and jokes with those he met. He is survived by his wife Lorna of 64 years, his 3 children Ryan (Sherrie) of Menan, Ronda (Kerry) Phillips of Menan, and Kent Shippen of Jackson, Wyoming. He is also survived by his sister Sandra (Jim) Harris of Grants Pass, Oregon, and Emmett (Sue) Shippen of Menan. 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Fahn Shelton and a brother, Dean Shippen. Funeral Services will be held at the Menan LDS Chapel 3547 East Menan- Lorenzo Highway, Friday, March 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. The family will visit with friends at the Menan LDS Chapel on Thursday March 3rd, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and on Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will be at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. The family wishes to thank Visiting Angels, Aleisha, Hearts for Hospice, and the staff at the Gardens for their loving and professional care.