Ivan Ritzman Shimp

Ivan Ritzman Shimp, 90, died peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and three daughters on November 30, 2025

 

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents John & Marie Shimp.

 

Ivan is survived by his wife of 70 years, Constance Morrow Shimp; Daughters: Melinda Coleman (Robbie), Jenny Ardis (Mel), and Tammy Berberich (Jim)

 

Sister, Susan Shimp

Brother, Roger Shimp (Jodie)

 

6 Grandchildren

John Coleman (Lori)

Jason Coleman (Ellen)

Hunter Colman (Heather)

Josh Ardis (Natalie)

Taylor Ledford (Cody)

Morrow Berberich

 

6 Great Grandchildren

McKinley & Carter Coleman

Hadley Coleman 

Kaylin & Colten Ardis

Christian Ledford

 

And Ivan’s special 4-Legged companion, Carley

 

Ivan served our Country honorably in the United States Air Force.  After he was honorably discharged, Ivan began a career working for AT&T.  He was a Lineman / Outside Communication Technician.  He served as a spokesman for “Miss Utility – Call Before You Dig” campaign.  Ivan retired after 42 years of service.

 

Ivan & Connie were High School Sweethearts.  Both born and raised in Lewistown, PA, they made their home in Virginia.  They moved to Virginia while Ivan was employed by AT&T. The Communications Industry was just beginning and Ivan was sent to 13 different states to lay cable.  AT&T finally settled them in VIrginia.  They found a church home at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Penick Road where Ivan served as a Deacon, sang in the Choir and was a youth Sunday School Teacher.  Ivan had a beautiful tenor voice.  It was at Bethlehem Baptist Church where Ivan & Connie raised their 3 daughters.  Later they became Members at Mount Vernon Baptist Church.

 

Ivan was an avid Outdoorsman.  He loved Hunting, Fishing & Gardening.

 

Ivan loved hunting with his family at Dripping Spring Farm and Fishing at The Coleman Pond in King & Queen County, VA.

 

Ivan also found joy fishing at “The Catfish Hole” on the Rappahannock River or fishing off the Rappahannock River Estates pier.

 

He even visited his grandson, Josh, in The Florida Keys where he caught his first Sailfish.

 

Ivan was also a Master Gardener.  His gardens were plentiful so he was always happy to share his harvest with friends, family and the neighbors.

 

Ivan was an incredible Husband and Father.  He was a blessing to all that knew him.  He had a gift for connecting with others and his warm spirit was evident in the way he never met a stranger.

 

The Family takes comfort in knowing that we are not saying “Good-bye” but rather, “See you later, Dad!”  We will continue to follow our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, so we have confidence we will all be together again.

 

We will have a Celebration of Life Service at:

Mount Vernon Baptist Church

11220 Nuckols Road

Glen Allen, VA. 23059

Thursday, December 11th, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Reception to follow the Service

Private Burial

 

In Lieu of Flowers, please make a donation in Ivan’s name to:

 

 – Mount Vernon Baptist Church (Bereavement Fund or Food Pantry)

 

– The Walkerton Volunteer Fire Department , PO Box 85, Walkerton VA 23177

  

– Henrico County Animal Protection Unit & Shelter