Wilma Faye Schaffer

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Wilma Faye Schaffer, 74, was born on Nov. 26, 1946, to George and Ruth Skinner. She was the oldest of five children. Wilma lived in several other states, before her parents decided to make Saguache, Colo., their forever home. 

On April 18, 1964, she married her husband of 50 years Jimmy Wayne Schaffer who preceded her in death in 2015. 

Together they had two children: Jeff Schaffer and Danette (Chris) Hansen. Wilma was blessed with three grandchildren: Michael (Breann) Dickey, Andrea (Albert, II) Martinez, and Jessica (Chris) Tidwell. 

She was also blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Delaney and Danica Dickey, Emily and Albert Martinez III, and Aaron, Alec, and Allison Tidwell. 

Wilma was preceded in death by her mother, father, and her husband. 

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as her siblings: Winnie (Steve) Eubanks, Wanda (Tony) Harrison, Wyoma (Ron) Hansen, and Elton (Pam) Skinner and many nieces and nephews.  

Wilma loved to be outdoors. She loved to ride horseback, go camping, hiking, boating, fishing, exploring Native American culture and their ruins, waterskiing, and snow skiing. Later in life when she was unable to get around due to a bum knee, she liked to go for rides around lakes and parks in a wheelchair. Go for drives around the area, and travel when possible. She was able to get an electric scooter, which she enjoyed greatly.  

Wilma wore many hats, she was a nurse (LPN), belly dancing instructor, EMT, CPR instructor, surgical tech, administrative assistant, and dispatcher/jailer. 

Although she wore many hats her most fulfilling job was as an LPN. She retired from the Rio Grande Hospital Clinic when her husband became ill. 

In September 2016, she was diagnosed with Ampullary Cancer. She fought a hard fight, but it took a lot out of her. 

In October 2017 Wilma decided to move to Arizona. She did not want to deal with the snow and cold anymore. In Arizona, she found doctors that could help her fight the cancer. She had been on Chemo for 4 and a half years. She had only been off the Chemo for about 8 months. 

Wilma moved into a senior independent living apartment in September 2019, there she made many new friends. She liked to play Bunco with the other ladies, which she enjoyed greatly. Wilma enjoyed visiting the ladies in her apartment complex. 

She enjoyed spending time with family. Holidays were always special. She was loved by many and will be missed.  

A Memorial Service will be held on May 14, 2022, in Del Norte, Colo., at the Del Norte Lodge Hall, 598 Spruce St., Del Norte, CO 81132 at 2 p.m. With the inurnment at the Schaffer Ranch to follow. There will be refreshments after at the Del Norte Lodge Hall. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Cancer Society or your favorite wildlife foundation.