Avery Shipley

Avery Lee Shipley, of Dallas, Oregon passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Dallas.

Avery was born on August 1, 1932, in Hillsboro, Oregon, to Earl and Clara Bell Shipley. He attended early grade school in Manzanita and Springfield, then the family moved to Oakridge where he attended Oakridge High School. In 1951, after graduating, he went to work logging in the woods. He had the opportunity to go to college as a couple offered to pay, for which he was very thankful. However, his calling was in the woods.

While attending school in Oakridge, Avery met Mildred (Millie) Campbell and they married on June 7, 1952, in Reno, Nevada. Avery served two years in the US Navy in Port Hueneme at Oxnard, California. They lived in Oakridge, Coquille and Mill City, Oregon before settling in Dallas, Oregon in 1959, where they raised their three children. Avery enjoyed hunting with his dad and kids. Avery and Millie enjoyed spending time with family and friends in Dallas and Lincoln City where they owned a beach house. After 47 years of marriage and at the end of his long career, Millie passed away on October 31, 1999.

Avery started his logging career with Tom Shipler, for one year as a contract logger and then worked for Dehut Logging for 20 years. Avery later worked for Willamina Lumber, now known as Hampton Affiliates. Avery was an expert in operating all heavy equipment and specialized in roadbuilding. He was asked to oversee the building of the log yard at Willamina which included 6 acres of concrete. He enjoyed going to the auctions where he looked at and purchased all kinds of equipment and where he met many peers in his industry.

Avery had been an active member of St. Philip Catholic Church for 66 years. He had served on the church administrative board and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of B.P.O.E. #1950 Elks Lodge for many years.

Avery married Beth Bollman on May 20, 2000, in St Philip Catholic Church. They have celebrated over 25 years together. Avery and Beth liked spending time at Devils Lake. They enjoyed traveling with their fifth wheel around the United States including several trips to New York to visit family. They also enjoyed trips to the Big Island of Hawaii. Avery loved spending time with family.

Avery is survived by his wife, Beth; his children, Lisa (Denis) Fast, Lane (Lucy), Jon (George); and by her children Michael (Karen) Bollman, Amy (Mike) Lowery along with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00am at St Philip Catholic Church in Dallas.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Philip Catholic Church or Solterra Hospice.

The family would like to thank Madison Akin at Solterra Hospice and Avery's caregivers at Dallas Retirement Village for their wonderful care.