Syble Aline Dunkle Shaffer

SYBLE ALINE DUNKLE SHAFFER departed this life February 13, 2026, for her heavenly home. She was born April 11, 1927, to Elmer Paris Dunkle and Grace May Joy Dunkle, who owned a small farm and dairy on the banks of the Ohio River in Cabell Co., W.Va. She was a child of the "Great Depression," growing up in a time when money and employment were scarce. Self-sufficiency, hard work, and love kept her family solvent and afloat during those difficult years. At age twelve, she accepted the Christian Faith and was baptized in the Ohio River.
She attended Barboursville High School, class of 1945, and with the help of her older siblings, Harry Dunkle, Mildred Meadows, and Lavina Clark, graduated from Marshall University with a BA in Physical Education. With the outbreak of the Korean War, Syble answered the patriotic call and enlisted in the Women's Army Corps as a Physical Training Instructor for newly enlisted female recruits assigned to Fort Lee, Virginia. While in the service, she accepted a proposal of marriage from Arthur (Sonny) A. Shaffer of Ironton, OH., in the form of an engagement ring secreted in a package of clothespins. The couple married in October 1953 and remained so until Arthur passed away November 24, 2009.
After leaving the service, she began a 34-year teaching career at schools in Blackfork, Coal Grove, South Point, and Ironton. Syble was a physical education teacher and a special education teacher for many years and dearly loved her students. She was recognized by the Ohio House of Representatives during her teaching career. Syble was also a member of the First Methodist Church in Ironton.
She leaves behind a daughter, Kim (Shaffer) Wilson of Ironton, two sons, David Shaffer and Steve Shaffer (Mary) of Ironton, three granddaughters: Michelle (Rick) Westerfield of Louisville, KY., Annamary Moore of Oklahoma City, OK., and Corey Shaffer of Weaverville, NC., two great-grandsons: William Moore of Oklahoma City, OK., and Colin Westerfield of Louisville, KY., and an adopted great-grandson, Colin Willis of Ironton, OH. Syble also leaves behind a number of nieces and nephews whose kindness is much appreciated.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Ironton First Methodist Church, 101 N. 5th St. Ironton with Rev. Brian Davis officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Final resting place will be in Woodland Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Ironton First Methodist Church Wings Group.
Please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net to offer condolences to the family.