Wilma Lucille Shaffer

Wilma Lucille Shaffer passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 96. Wilma was born August 21, 1929, to Claude and Hazel Key of Milton, Oregon. One of five siblings, her early childhood was spent on the Steen Ranch on Dry Creek, where her father was employed. Later, the family would move to the family home/farm on the Walla Walla River. She often spoke fondly of her time spent exploring the many places a young child could find to entertain themselves, which were provided by living on a farm.

Wilma graduated from McLoughlin Union High School in 1947, where she was elected “Pea Festival Princess” her senior year. After briefly attending Oregon State University, Wilma graduated from Beauty School in Walla Walla. She then went to work at Umatilla Cannery in Milton, Oregon, as a bookkeeper. In 1958, while employed at Umatilla Cannery, she met Joseph Shaffer, and they were married on November 16, 1959.

At this time, she became the mother of Joe’s four children, his sons: James W. Shaffer, Joseph J. Shaffer III, Jackie A. Shaffer, and his daughter: Janet K. Shaffer. They then added three more children: son Jeffrey J. Shaffer and daughters Julie K. Shaffer and Jeanie K. Shaffer. She was proud of her children and fiercely protective of them all. Many was the time when, if she felt that they were being wronged, she would, in her words, “Raise hell and put props under it.”

She had a strong love for family, particularly young kids.

She loved yard work and gardening, had a sharp wit, was an avid reader, and was a crossword puzzle enthusiast. Her favorite shows were “Wheel of Fortune”, “Jeopardy”, and “The Price is Right”.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Hazel Key; her sister, Lois Parent; her sons: James Shaffer, Joseph Shaffer, Jackie Shaffer; and her Great-Grandson, Ryker Pelles. She is survived by her sisters: Carol Koch of Las Vegas NV, and Laverne Bilyeu of Jefferson OR; her brother, Lewis Key of Milton-Freewater OR; her daughters: Janet Pederson of Lebanon OR, Julie Ward (Russ) of Newberg OR, and Jeanie Shaffer of Salem OR; her son, Jeffery Shaffer (Jill) of Walla Walla WA; daughter-in-law, Cheryl Shaffer of Walla Walla WA; along with 12 Grandchildren, 15 Great-Grandchildren and three Great-Great-Grandchildren.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Milton-Freewater Senior Center, 311 N Main St, Milton-Freewater.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.