Ella A Schaeffer

With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Ella Schaeffer, who peacefully departed from this world on April 5, 2024, at Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, WA, at the age of 91. Elenora "Ella" Anna was born on September 20, 1932, on the family farm in Greencreek, Idaho to Harry and Matilda "Tilly" Wessels. She was the fifth of Harry and Tilly's ten children. She graduated from Greencreek High School in 1950 and attended one year of college at Lewiston State Normal School in Lewiston, Idaho. She was swept off her feet by the charming and handsome Eugene Schaeffer and they married July 19, 1952 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Greencreek Idaho. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith and family in Ferdinand, Idaho.
For Mom, family meant everything. She loved spending time with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Her home was always welcoming, and Grandma's snack drawer was legendary. She contributed to the family farm by driving harvest trucks, moving cattle, and always having a hot meal for the crew. Mom actively participated in her community as a religious education teacher, cub scout leader, and member of the Christian Mothers. She was known for her card playing and looked forward to Monday Bridge and Friday Pinochle. One of her greatest joys and accomplishments was the work she did as a Certified Nursing Assistant at St. Mary's Hospital, especially in cardiac rehab.
Mom is survived by her five children including her sons Keith and wife Leah of Spokane WA; Clifford and wife Kelly of Lapwai, ID; and daughters Lynn and husband Gary Rehder of Cottonwood, ID; Tona and husband Tony Koch of Hayden, ID; and Brenda and husband Nick Senger of Spokane, WA; brother Urban and wife Jane Wessels; sisters Mary Jean and husband Don Arnzen; Darlene Hasenoehrl; 18 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 55 years, Eugene "Pooch"; brothers, Ralph, Willie, Teddy, and LeRoy Wessels; and sisters, Mildred (Funke) and Mardel (Sonnen); loving grandson, Jacob Riener and great grandson Jared Sonnen.
Mom's legacy is one of love, resilience, and service. She was a woman of deep faith with a generous heart. She leaves behind a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community, who will fondly remember her warm beautiful smile, witty personality, and unwavering strength, Donations in Mom's memory may be made to the Jacob Riener Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Cottonwood Credit Union, PO Box 507, Cottonwood ID, 83522.
A Rosary will begin at 12:30 p.m. with Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday April 13, 2024, at Assumption Parish in Ferdinand, Idaho. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their support and condolences during this difficult time. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family at blackmerfuneralhome.com.
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