Cyrus "Bud" Shipley, III, age 76 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Community Hospital in Anderson after a brief illness.  He was born January 14, 1949 in Elwood, the son of Cyrus and Mary (Atwood) Shipley, II.  Bud was a 1969 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  He married his soulmate, Betsy S. Richie on February 12, 1982, and they shared over 43 years of marriage together raising a wonderful family.  Bud was an outstanding provider for his family and was devoted to every job he ever worked.  He worked for the Elwood Community School Corporation as a custodian in several different buildings for the last 22 years, and he was adored by the children and the staff.  Previously, Bud worked for Steel Slitting Co. in Elwood in various positions for 34 years.  As a younger man, he also worked at Harvest Market and the Elwood Street Department.

Bud was extremely active all his life and enjoyed life to the fullest.  He had a great sense of humor and was friendly to everyone he met.  Bud enjoyed hunting, gardening, and tinkering with all sorts of things.  He was an avid sports enthusiast who could be seen at sporting events cheering on his family members.  Bud and Betsy enjoyed listening to country music and dancing together for many years.  He cherished nothing more than spending time with his family; traveling to Pigeon Forge and Cade's Cove on vacations, swimming, and spending time with his dogs through the years.  Bud's hard work and dedication to his work earned him recognition from the Hinds Vocational School V.I.C.A. program which he was humbled to receive.  He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in many people.

Bud's family includes his wife, Betsy Shipley of Elwood; daughter, Brittany (Michael) Gregg of Elwood; son, Justin (Karrie) Shipley of Alexandria; 2 siblings, Beverly (Stewart) Bickel of Modoc and Cheryl (Bill) Oldham of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Piper Elizabeth Gregg, Grayson Hunter Gregg, and Oakley Heinz Gregg; several nieces and nephews including Shannon Frye, Patty Neville, Nick Oldham, and Billy Oldham; and countless friends.  Bud was preceded in death by his parents and 2 sisters, Ardella Murrell and Mary Ash.

A funeral service celebrating Bud's life and legacy will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Chaplain Matt Shelton officiating.  Burial will follow in Forrestville Cemetery in rural Summitville.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3 to 7 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the "Bud Shipley Memorial Scholarship" fund at Madison County Federal Credit Union in Elwood.  Online condolences and memories may be shared with Bud's family at www.copherfeslermay.com.