Eileen Shaffer (née Naylor)

With family by her side, Eileen Shaffer, 87, died of natural causes on July 7 at the Wyoming Retirement Center in Basin, Wyo.

Eileen was born July 3, 1938, in Leeds, England, to Leonard and Lilian (Vennard) Naylor and had two older sisters, Freda (Stratford) and Joan (Woolford). After training as a dental assistant and working in London, she decided to see the world and, in 1962, came to America to work as a nanny at Pass Creek Ranch north of Sheridan. There she met her husband, Thomas A. Shaffer, on a blind date, and they married on November 20, 1965. Eileen became a naturalized American citizen in 1977, and she and Tom were constant Wyoming residents, living in Thermopolis, South Pass City, Cheyenne, McFadden, Cody, and Riverton. Tom preceded her in death in 2015.

Eileen was a devoted mother to three children, Wade, who died tragically in 1971, Leslie, currently teaching in Belgium, and Chad, a WYDOT employee and resident of Riverton. Eileen had boundless energy that she shared lovingly with her grandchildren, Willow, Wyatt, Wilder, Adriana, and Kalen and great-granddaughter, Sophie.

Throughout her life, Eileen worked as a nursing assistant, offering her helping hands and cheer to people with illnesses, disabilities, or emotional burdens. Before retirement, she was a volunteer for the US Forest Service at the North Fork Ranger Station and a salesperson at Love's Gifts in Cody. In retirement, she lived with Leslie and her family in Belgium and then at the Pioneer Home in Thermopolis and the WY Retirement Center in Basin. She enjoyed crafts, baking, and playing games. She loved creating laughter in a room, walking on the beach, and stopping to smell the flowers. Everywhere she went, she intentionally brought smiles to the faces of people she met.

Eileen is survived by Leslie (husband Douglas Shinaver), Chad (wife Kelly Wilson), and her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Although she struggled with dementia in the last few years of her life, her fun-loving spirit shined through and will be dearly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Thermopolis, August 1, 11a.m.. A graveside service and luncheon follow immediately after.

The family gratefully acknowledges the kindness and support provided by the residents and staff at the Pioneer Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Wyoming Pioneer Home, the Wyoming Retirement Center, or Alzheimer's Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org) are encouraged.