Ronald J. Shope

Was born September 15, 1947 in Elmira the son of the late Robert C. and Dorothy E. (Sempler) Shope passed away after a brief illness on Monday, February 15, 2010 at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center at the age of 62. His brothers, Gary and David Shope, sister, Ruth Ann Bollen and nephew, Robert E. Shope predeceased him. He is survived by his beloved brothers and sister-in-laws, R. Dale and Nancy Shope of Elmira, NY; James R. and Cheryl Shope of Elmira Heights, NY; adored nieces and nephews, Gray Shope, Timothy (Bonnie) Shope, David (Jeannine) Shope, Jerome (Janet) Shope, Ronald (Yvette) Shope, James (Christine) Shope; Joshua (Jacquelyn) Shope, Ashley Shope; Kim (Bob) Baldwin, Rich (Tammy) Bollen, Amy Bollen; along with several great nieces, great nephews, cousins and many friends. Also survived by his close-knit neighbors, Kim and Larry, Jen and Paul, Kathy, Dillion and Tina, Nancy, Roy and Gerry and Sharon. Ronald was a Veteran of the US Navy proudly serving his country during the Viet Nam War. He also spoke often of the many times he spent on the deck of the ship watching whales, dolphins and enjoying the moon-lit nights reflecting on his life. He retired from Tops Market after 30 years of faithful and dedicated service. Ronald took great pleasure in his times spent at the lake and at many of the family functions at which he could always get everyone laughing and smiling. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 and 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral services honoring his life will follow the visitation at 7 PM. The Reverend Jane Winters will celebrate Ron's services. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of his family in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park where the Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Shope Military Honors. Memorial donations may be directed to the American Cancer Society or to the Falck Cancer Center. Envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for his family in obituaries atwww.olthof.comTHANK Y OUThe Shope families wish to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the nurses who loving cared for Ronald in the ER at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Jackie and Clarkie. They also thank Mary and Mary, who made Ronald's time spent at the Falck Cancer Center tolerable but mostly enjoyable. Last and certainly not least, his family will never forget the love and care given to Ron by his nephew and namesake, Ronald, who unselfishly loved, cared and looked out for the "Big Pit Bull/Bull Dog".