(1938-2026)

Roy Neil Shute was born on May 27, 1938, in Salina, Kan., to Edgar and Elva Shute. An only child, Roy spent his childhood in Geneseo, Kan., and graduated from Geneseo High School in 1957.

On June 9, 1963, Roy married Nancy Householter. Together, they built a life, raised their family and shared nearly 55 years of marriage before Nancy preceded him in death in 2018.

Roy and Nancy raised three children, Jim (Shawntelle) Shute, North Carolina; Steven Shute, who preceded him in death in 2016; and Cecelia (Scott) Miller, Junction City.

Roy was a proud grandfather to five grandchildren: Katy Tanner; Austin Tanner; Bligh Shute (Kayla), Virginia; Jace Shute, North Carolina; and Lucas Bolen, McPherson. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Justin, Carter, Aria and Bella.

In 1973, Roy and his father, Edgar, started S&S Service, a mechanic shop in Ellsworth. At the time, S&S stood for “Shute & Shute Service,” representing Roy and his father. After Edgar passed away and Roy’s own sons grew older and became involved, the name continued to represent Shute & Shute Service, this time reflecting Roy and the next generation of the Shute family.

In addition to operating the mechanic shop, Roy helped his parents with their small farming operation and spent many years helping area farmers during harvest. He was a hard worker who understood the value of making use of what others might overlook.

In the early 1980s, Roy recognized a need in the area and began expanding his operation to include a salvage yard. He later owned a car crusher and crushed countless vehicles over the years, contributing to recycling efforts throughout Ellsworth County.

But Roy’s salvage yard was much more than a collection of old cars and parts. He had an extraordinary eye for the unusual and rare. His daughter-inlaw, Shawntelle, came to appreciate this as she got to know both Roy and his collection. Among what might have looked like ordinary items to most people, Roy could identify pieces made for only one year, unusual parts, rare models and items that serious collectors would immediately recognize as special. He quietly accumulated a remarkable collection of unique and one-of-a-kind treasures. You might never have known what you were looking at until Roy started telling you the story behind it.

For a short time in the 1970s, Roy even operated an Indian Motorcycle dealership from S&S Service. Unfortunately, the venture was short-lived when it proved not to be the money-making opportunity that had originally been promised. Still, it became another chapter in the story of a man who was never afraid to work hard, try something new and recognize an opportunity.

Outside of work, Roy enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. For many years, weekends and holidays were spent at Wilson Lake creating memories with the people he loved. Roy and Nancy also enjoyed participating in card club with their friends, a tradition they continued for decades.

Roy played an important role in the lives of his grandchildren, especially those who lived nearby. Each carries different memories and lessons from their grandfather.

Austin remembers how much he loved helping his papa scrap metal. Katy remembers her papa as her superhero. Jace says his grandpa taught him that “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Bligh remembers learning a great deal about driving from his grandpa, hunting with him and the importance of mealtimes gathered around the Shute family table. Lucas remembers Roy as an amazing grandfather and father figure, saying that although he was his grandson, Roy always treated him as if he were his own son.

Roy had a reputation for being bull-nosed and strong-willed, and those who knew him would probably agree that he earned it, but the people who truly knew Roy also knew the kind heart behind that stubborn exterior. He was a man who worked hard, valued family, helped others and left behind lessons and memories that will continue through the generations of his family.

Roy was a longtime member of St. Bernard Catholic Parish and the Knights of Columbus, Ellsworth.

After a long battle with dementia, Roy entered into eternal life on July 1, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehab, Sedan, Kan.

Roy’s life was one of hard work, family, ingenuity and finding value where others might not have thought to look. His legacy lives on, not only in the family he loved, but also in the lessons he passed down: work hard, take care of your family, know the value of what is in front of you and never forget that one man’s trash may very well be another man’s treasure.

A graveside memorial service will bet at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at Ellsworth Memorial Cemetery.

Condolences can be left at parsonsfh.com.