Fay Shaffer

Fay Shaffer passed away peacefully on June 29, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on March 31, 1934, in Cumberland County, PA, her family moved to Elkhart Indiana, and she lived a full, vibrant life centered on family, friendship, and unwavering love.

Fay married the love of her life, Wendell Lee Shaffer, on December 4, 1958. Together, they built a life focusing on family, fun, and sports. While raising six children, Fay went from working inside sales to ownership and having a successful career in the RV industry--a role she approached with the same determination and grace she brought to motherhood. She retired in 1990, and soon after, she and Wendell set out to explore the United

States--ultimately visiting all 50 states. After their travels, Fay and Wendell found their home in Arizona Traditions in Surprise, Arizona. There, they dove headfirst into community life and made fast friends wherever they went. Fay helped launch the Friday Couples and Margarita Mamas Golf League and starred in the neighborhood lip sync shows. If there were games to be played or laughs to be had, you could count on Fay to bring the fun.

Fay was the heart and soul of her family. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Home was where the kids brought their friends, and Fay always welcomed everyone with open arms and a full table. Whether it was year round sports or summers at the lake, Fay created a life rich in memories. Mom’s quiet strength, selfless love, and steady presence touched everyone around her. Her children described her as tough, loving, driven, and full of fierce endurance—someone who worked hard, never gave up, and never complained.

Fay is preceded in death by her husband, Wendell L. Shaffer; her parents, Pearl Bowers and Andrew Frank Barrick; siblings Frank, Loma, Fern, and Janet; her son, Randy Shaffer; and daughter-in-law, Beth.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren: Robert W. Shaffer (Denise), Griffin and Crosby; Douglas L. Shaffer (Tina), Brandon, Lauren (Josh), and Austin (Taylor); Debra R. Lecklider (Mike), Chase (Liza), Ryann Fretschel (Mathieu); Randall L. Shaffer (deceased), (Elizabeth - deceased), Derek (Amanda), Sean (Jonathan); Carla C. Pontius (Tom), Tate (Tracy), Angie McClane (Rob), Jenni Learman (Josh); Karen S. Nicholas (Jeff), Sydney (Nick).

The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in honoring Fay’s life at the Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd.,Elkhart, Indiana 46514, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, viewing at 11:00 am followed by a 1:00 pm funeral service. A burial is planned for July 8, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN. In place of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Fay Shaffer’s name to The Salvation Army, 300 N. Main Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

The Shaffer family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Greenleaf Health Center for their compassionate care of both Mom and Dad in recent years.

With love and remembrance,

The Children of Fay Shaffer – Bob, Doug, Deb, Carla, and Karen