Calling Hours:
Thursday, October 20, 2016, 5:00-8:00pm
Loutzenhiser-Jordan Funeral Home and Cremation
Services, Inc., 366-368 S. Main St., Greenville, PA
Mass of Christian Burial:
Friday, October 21, 2016, 10:30am
St. Michael Roman Catholic Church
85 N. High St., Greenville, PA
Rev. V. David Foradori, Pastor, as celebrant
Burial with committal in St. Michael Cemetery
Esther Belle Shaffer, age 86, formerly of Kinsman, OH, passed away Monday morning, October 17, 2016 in Shepard of the Valley, Warren, OH.
Mrs. Shaffer was born in West Middlesex, PA on March 21, 1930 to Charles and Margaret (Addison) Clark. Esther was a 1948 graduate of St. Michael High School and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church, Greenville and enjoyed canning, cooking, baking and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On September 25, 1947, she married Robert J. Shaffer, he survives. Also surviving are eight daughters, Iris Tonty of Sharon, Judy Stefan and her husband Robert of Champion, OH, Patricia Martinec and her husband Carl of Cortland, OH, Mary Beth Millard and her husband Jeff of Farmdale, OH, Barbara Goncz and her Fiance John Baciu of Warren, OH, Jeanne Thornton and her companion Jamie Hovance of Savannah, GA, Mary Catherine Nahod and her husband Bill of Farmdale, OH and Lisa Reesman and her Fiance TJ Houser of Savannah, GA; seven sons, Robert Shaffer and his wife Lisa of Truckee, CA, Mark Shaffer and his wife Shari of Kinsman, OH, James Shaffer and his wife Anita of Warren, OH, John Shaffer and his wife Katie of Truckee, CA, Paul Shaffer and his Fiance Kathy Love of Warren, OH, John Ballano and his wife Geri of Roscoe, IL and Samuel Ballano and his wife Michelle of Rockton, IL; a sister, Margaret Wiand of Cortland, OH and a brother, John Clark of Fredonia, 44 grandchildren and 52 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, William Clark, 3 grandchildren, a great-granddaughter and a daughter-in-law, Christine Shaffer.
Memorial contributions maybe made to St. Michael's School Endowment Fund, 85 N. High St., Greenville, PA 16125.
My sweet Esther Belle. My residents teach me many things, and you and your husband taught me what true love looks like. Bob came in every single night to feed you dinner and lay with you for a few hours. When your Alzheimer’s was in full swing, all it took was the mention of Bob’s name to calm you down. Every night I put you to bed your eyes would light up and say “is this my bed, it’s beautiful.” & it was because your children always made sure you had the nicest things to make your room feel like home. I hope and pray I live a life half as wonderful as yours. 70 years of marriage, 15 children, and many many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Although my hearts heavy knowing when I go to work tomorrow you won’t ask me if you’re a nuisance, I know you’re at peace. The last 2 years have been wonderful with you❤️
I am so sorry for your families loss. Esther Belle was the most kind, strong, and devoted Wife and Mother I have ever had the honor of knowing. Her smile and laughter told me how proud she was of her family as she sat and told me many stories. The 3 years I spent with her at SOV she was so much more than a resident, she was my friend. My prayers are with Bob and all of you.
Our sincere condolences to the Shaffer family, especially to Paul
Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to the Shaffer family.
Sorry for your loss. Know that I am thinking of you.
My condolences to the Shaffer family. Mrs. Shaffer was a great lady and will be missed by all who knew her. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are so very sorry for your tremendous loss. You will all remain in our thoughts and prayers for many days to come. May God Bless you and keep you in His loving care.
My sincerest condolences for the loss of your dear wife, mother and grandmother. You are in m thoughts.
To the Shaffer family,
I am so sorry for your loss! So many great memories of growing up with your family!
To Mr. Shaffer and all the Shaffer and Ballano children and families. Mrs. Shaffer was such a LADY. And each of you that we knew and taught at Saints Peter and Paul School were such a fine reflection of your good parents. What a legacy she left! We send you our sympathy, love and prayers. Eternal memory! Byzantine Benedictine Sisters, Warren
To My Sweet Aunt Belle my heart is crushed! You were always so kind and gentle and I will always hold you dear to my heart.
To All the Shaffer family my Deepest Condolences for their are no words to express my feelings for your loss.
Love Joe
To Bob and the Shaffer family, we extend our deepest sympathies. Bob and his dear Belle became such a part of our family for the 4 years our mom lived at Shepherd with her. You both were such an inspiration as to what marriage is truly about, and we know Bob is lost without his Belle. Esther always had love in her eyes as I assured her she was not a nuisance when she asked. God bless all of you as you bid farewell for now. We all miss you and think of you often. Love, The Schultz family
Mr. Shaffer, Jim, Paul and all of the Shaffer family, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom such a proud woman who raised a wonderful family. She is in our prayers. God bless!
Dearest Bob and Family,
I had the privilege of spending time with you and your beloved Esther Belle at Shepherd of the Valley during the time that my dad Steve Petrosky was a resident and during this past year as a volunteer for Blessed Sacrament to disburse communion and visit the residents. I loved Esther and her sweet caring manner. Watching you and Esther together was such a loving experience. Bob you were an amazing example of how to live the vows of being a wonderful husband. The blessings of your loyalty, love and compassion will live forever. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. God Bless and know that Esther is in heaven and will always be in your heart. Prayers and Love
So sorry for your loss
DEAR BOB AND THE CHILDREN WHO KNOW ME,
YOU HAVE LOST A DEAR WIFE, MOTHER AND GRANDMOTHER. I HOLD ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS. YOU, BOB, AND DEAR ESTHER, WERE ALWAYS AN INSPIRATION TO ME. I PRAY FOR ALL OF YOU.
ESTHER IS NOW IN A BETTER PLACE WITH GOD.
MAY HE BLESS EACH OF YOU!
Shaffer family:
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. No matter the circumstances, it is a great loss to lose your loved one. I have known Patricia for many years through Maplewood Elementary school, I love her dearly, she is very special, so I know you all are special, and the basis comes from your parents. I am sorry I was not able to be there in person for you, my thoughts and prayers were there. Dixie Knight
Dear Mr Shaffer and Family
words of comfort and love to your Family we grew up as neighbors riding the tractor helping with the horses across the street (Mrs Shaffer) Belle always had a smile and kind words a wonderful wife mother ( Mr Shaffer ) Bob always kidding us we hold you all in our thoughts and Prayers I feel honored to have been your neighbor for the time we were there God Bless each and every one of you
Iris and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that all of you have many wonderful memories of your years together to bring you comfort at this time.