Shelley Bishop

Shelley L. Bishop passed on Oct 23, 2022 of glioblastoma brain cancer at the too young age of 66.

Shelley was born April 14, 1956 to Wallace C. and Eunice V. Peterson in Lincoln, NE. She was preceded in death by many and survived by lots of people also. If you are reading this you are one of the latter group. Also in that group are her husband, life partner, and best friend, Ed Bishop; brother Cary Peterson and his family; and, Blair Bishop and Shannyn Snyder and their families.

Shelley left Lincoln soon after getting her master’s degree in military history from UNL and vowed never to return to live in Nebraska. She worked as an historian for the USAF for many years and eventually ended up as the first and only historian for the IRS. They eliminated the position after Shelley. Shelley and Ed became a couple after a blind date arranged by a mutual friend and spent the next 31+ years together.

Shelley became a whistleblower revealing the IRS does not keep records of tax policy decisions (yes, they keep your tax filings but nothing on audit policies or anything else of the sort). She testified to Congress, was on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, and wrote a book, ‘Unbridled Power, Inside the Secret Culture of the IRS’.

While in the DC area Shelley and Ed visited family in Lincoln and Omaha frequently and Ed suggested they eventually retire in NE. Shelley objected stating ‘I left vowing to never live there again’. After Ed’s company transferred him to Los Angeles, Shelley decided NE might be a good idea after all. She found an acreage in Council Bluffs, IA, on the internet. They bought it and spent 16 wonderful years there. And Shelley could still say she did not return home to NE.

Shelley loved animals. The dogs were members of the family, not pets. Then there are the two donkeys and a formerly feral cat. All rescues, including Ed whom she rescued and taught him the tricks of loving life. She also helped Ed raise Blair and taught Blair many life lessons that have served him well. She also helped guide grandchildren Eden and Grace.

Shelley’s infectious laugh and positive attitude will be missed by all who met her. She truly made the world a better place. She would say ‘no flowers’, instead send donations to Leap-for-a-Cure or your favorite animal charity. Share a toast to Shelley and do good things. Be good to others and love animals. Peace.