Dorothy Fern Shaffer

Dorothy Fern Shaffer, age 94 of Wellsville, Kansas passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at the Wellsville Retirement Community. Graveside services will be 11AM, Sunday, September 14, 2025 at Princeton Cemetery in Princeton, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Wellsville Retirement Community in care of Wilson’s, PO Box 486, Wellsville, KS 66092.

Dorothy Fern Shaffer was born March 10, 1931 in a railroad car that was converted to a home by her parents in Princeton, Kansas. She was the daughter of Arthur George and Maude Leona (Guy) Morris. She grew up in Princeton and attended Princeton High School until her Junior year, later obtaining her GED with her granddaughter, Buffy Thompson.

Dorothy married Dale Richard Newlan in 1949, and to this union, one daughter, Donna Sue, was born. They later divorced. On May 10, 1952, she married her lifelong partner and love of her life, Ernest Calvin Shaffer. They were married 65 years before his passing November 29, 2016. They were the best of friends and were the perfect example of how a married couple should be. They travelled together and met many amazing people who become their lifelong friends.

Dorothy worked at the Richmond Meat Locker for Fred and May Moore as a processor and meat wrapper. She then worked for VanSickle when they purchased the locker from the Moores. In the 1980’s, she worked for Olathe Wal-Mart for a short time. Also in the 1980’s, Dorothy and Cal owned the Sinclair station in Wellsville, where she did all of the bookkeeping.

Dorothy volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was later hired to work for them for almost 20 years. She was also the site manager for the Wellsville location and managed many other volunteers. She was a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary on the shirttails of her brother, Marvin. She served as a member, as the secretary and later, as the president of the Auxiliary, where she was an active member until her death. Dorothy also volunteered for the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department where she drove the firetruck. She also enjoyed dressing up for Halloween and causing trouble around Princeton with friends.

In 1981, Dorothy and Cal helped form the Williamsburg-Ottawa Wildlife Club, Inc. The club focused on conservation and education of youth. They loved working in the club and it was a source of great pride. Their grandchildren spend weekends at the club fishing and hiking around the lake and dam.

Dorothy is survived by her daughters; Deborah Walker of Ottawa and Donna Osborn of Princeton; grandchildren: Brian Wilson of Princeton; Kelly Wilson; Elisa Collins of Topeka; Kimberly Toot and husband Russell of Ottawa; Carrie Gragg of Ottawa; Kandice Williams and husband Travis of Ottawa; Great-grandchildren: Sarah Houston of Branson, MO; Katheryn Evans; Dometrius Clay of Topeka; Breann Collins of Kansas City; Richard Wilson and wife Chelsea of Princeton; Aaron Wilson of Ottawa; Troy Wilson of Ottawa; Dawn Comstock of Ottawa; Cody Thompson of Pomona; Theodore Jude Thompson of Chickasha, OK; Levi Thompson of San Diego, CA; Fisher Thompson of Lyndon; Neville Goodman-Gragg of Ottawa and 13 great-great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband; brothers, Leo Eugene Morris and Marvin Merle Morris; great-grandson, Luke Calvin (2004); granddaughter, Buffy Thompson (2009); and son-in-law, Jimmy Walker (2023).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Fern Shaffer, please visit our floral store.