SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Benjamin J. Shipp, age 45, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on Friday, November 5, 2021. Benjamin was born June 22, 1976 in St. John, Kansas. His world revolved around his beloved children, Leah and Gabe, who he shared with his former wife, Stephanie. Cherished son of Cheryl (the late step father John “Butch” Alexander) of Dodge City, Kansas; and Rodney Shipp of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Brother of Matthew Shipp of La Crosse, Kansas; Joshua Alexander (Rachael Harper) of Hesston, Kansas; Rachel Katie Alexander (Art Spears) of Dodge City, Kansas; Spencer Shipp of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and step-brother Ross and the late step-sister Robyn. Uncle to niece, Zoey, nephews, Garrisen, Zander, Zachary and Ashur. Grandson of John and Geneva Alexander of Meade, Kansas; and the late Charles and Loretta Glassco and Bill and Irma Shipp, formerly of Dodge City, Kansas. Nephew to Darlene Burge (the late Melvin Burge) of Dodge City, Kansas; Jeanne Ridge (the late Butch Ridge) of Barstow, California; Arlen and Jeanne Theander of Meade, Kansas; Jerry and Arloa Alexander of Canyon City, Colorado; Tom and Kelly Alexander of Cunningham, Kansas; Alfred and Wanda Alexander of Satanta, Kansas; and Jerry and Lana Parthemer of Frankfort, Kansas, and the late Janie and Vernon Lloyd, the late (Bud) Vernon Durham, the late David Minton (Kathy survives). Survived by numerous special cousins (the late Charlie Burge and the late Stephanie Ridge), and devoted friends.
Ben was a scholar at heart, who was a natural with numbers, and always eager to learn. He graduated Dodge City Senior High School (1994); Dodge City Community College with an Associate’s Degree in General Studies (1996); Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (1998); and received his MBA, Finance from Arizona State University (2007). Benjamin’s most recent position was as Senior Director, Financial Planning & Analytics with NortonLifeLock in Tempe, Arizona.
Ben had a variety of hobbies and interests. Spending quality time with his children, including cooking, playing assorted games and putting together puzzles, special movie nights and cherished moments at the cabin. He had a passion for the arts with a special interest in Van Gogh; appreciated a wide variety of music that led to him attending a number of concerts; and enjoyed attending auto shows. He was an avid Kansas City Royals and baseball fan. He was fond of outdoor activities like fishing, camping and hiking.
In honor of and to celebrate Ben’s life, family and friends are welcome to join together at a Dodge City memorial service December 18, 2021, at 10:30 am at the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene. In lieu of flowers or plants, a donation in memory and to honor Ben, may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Scottsdale, AZ (HOV.ORG/donate).
