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BORN
1943
DIED
2021
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Phyllis SHAFFER Obituary
Born on August 30, 1943 in Yakima, WA, Phyllis was the younger daughter of Ed and Marion Wilmeth. She adored her older sister Elaine (Steinmetz) and was heartbroken by her untimely passing in 2007. Phyllis enjoyed an idyllic childhood and adolescence in Toppenish, WA filled with family and friends, and it was during these formative years where her incredible love for people and life took root.
Phyllis attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA, majoring in English. It was here where she met and fell in love with her future husband, a discus thrower she spotted from her dorm room in Ballard Hall. After a several-year courtship, Phyllis married Fred Shaffer on July 6, 1968. They established their home in Spokane and raised three children.
Phyllis's passion in life was loving people. She had a heart for women and children, and positively influenced countless people as a preschool, elementary, and prepared childbirth educator. Whenever she was out and about it was very common for her to greet a former student, parent or fellow educator. We were always amazed at how many people she knew! She was devoted to her family and poured herself into her husband and children, making them feel forever loved and valued. She was the best friend anyone could ask for, always at the ready with a compassionate ear and encouraging word.
Phyllis is survived by her husband Fred, children Matt (Renay), Jennifer, Seth (Hilary) and grandson Trent. Her family is comforted by the knowledge that her soul remains in the eternal presence of Jesus but they will dearly miss her earthly presence.
A private burial service for immediate family is planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis SHAFFER
5 Entries
Carolyn Gowdy
August 2, 2021
If you want to know what the words compassionate, caring, sweet, understanding, patient, supportive of everyone, you needed to know Phyllis. She was amazing in her relationships with friends and family. No question she was the best of the best and will be missed by many.
Carl & Sharon Pederson
July 29, 2021
Sharon and I are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Phyllis. She and Fred were close friends in years past. We had lost contact with Phyllis and Fred when we relocated from Spokane years ago. I recently was thinking of some great old memories of Spokane and Fred and Phyllis came to mind. Fred and I had some crazy times during our work day relationship.
I was always so impressed with Phyllis and Fred and their close loving marriage and family. For sure, Dear Friends and wonderful memories.
Rest in peace Lovely Lady and God Bless you Fred and your family during this trying time. You are in our prayers.
Cheryl McCarthy Moore
July 28, 2021
Phyllis has been in my life since we were teenagers. We were both from Toppenish and ended up living close to each other in Spokane. I remember knowing who Phyllis was when I was in middle school and she was in high school across the street. Eventually my parents ended up living next door to her parents. Our children went to the same schools and we were both active in their grade school. She was the most caring and empathetic person I knew and I will miss her as a friend and neighbor.
Angela Widner
July 28, 2021
Phyllis was always welcoming when my family and I came to town for a visit . She had such a sweet and comforting personality. Her family has done an exceptional job honoring and taking care of both her and Fred. It shows in all the hard work but most of all the love they share . Phyllis will be missed by so many lives she has made an impact on over the years !
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Angela Widner
July 28, 2021
Phyllis was always so welcoming when my family and I came to visit. She had a sweet , comforting personality . I know she will be missed greatly by her family and so many more . Her family have done an exceptional job honoring and taking care of her and Fred. It shows by the hard work they have put in, but mostly the love they share .
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Funeral services provided by:
Pacific NW Cremation - North Spokane4407 N. Division St., Suite 103, Spokane, WA 99207
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