On the afternoon of September 19, 2021, Beverly Ann Schaffer passed away at home on Ranch Creek after a courageous five-year battle with cancer, surrounded by her family.
Bev was born September 14, 1952, in Spearfish, SD. She was the thirteenth of fourteen children born to Clyde and Geraldine Richards.
She grew up in the Ranch Creek and Biddle area, attending grade school at Biddle and graduating from Powder River County High School in 1970. She married her high school sweetheart, Eddy Schaffer, on October 13, 1970.
While Ed was stationed in Korea in the military, she lived and worked in Broadus, MT. When Ed returned from Korea they moved to Fort Campbell, Kentucky where he completed his military service.
The early years of their marriage were spent on ranches around the Broadus area. During this time their daughter Shelley was born in 1973. Over the years Bev worked at several different jobs including the Powder River Manor and Little Powder School, as well as working alongside Ed in their outfitting business and ranching. Seven years ago, Ed and Bev moved to Ranch Creek, bringing Bev back to her childhood home.
Bev loved gardening, all of her animals, cooking for “her crew” and most of all her family. Many happy times were spent gathered with her siblings on Ranch Creek. The births of her grandsons and great grandkids were some of the highlights of her life. She lived for every moment of being a “dammy”! Bev was an active member of the Biddle Wesleyan Church and had a very strong faith.
She is survived by her husband Eddy of 50 years; daughter Shelley and son-in-law Kyle West of Rockypoint, WY; grandsons Logan (Ally) West and Cory West (Alexa Kuhbacher) of Rockypoint, WY and great grandchildren Carson, Livia and Mazie West. Bev is also survived by two brothers Ellis (Lois) Richards and Vic (Kathy) Richards of Gillette, WY; five sisters, Evelyn Williams and Ella Mae (Allen) Drane of Broadus, Sharon (Lester) Clements and Linda (Bill) Macy of Gillette, WY and Donna Richards of Biddle; sister-in-law Gail (Richard) Craft of Broadus; brother-in-laws, Gordon Schaffer and Rod (Corrine) Schaffer of Broadus and Pete (Kim) Schaffer of Apache Junction, AZ; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Geraldine Richards; and siblings Georgia Traub, Bill Richards, Tom Richards, Rose Chaney, Thelma Manning and Gerald Richards; mother and father-in-law Rex and Esther Schaffer and sister-in-law Donna Schaffer.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at 10:30 AM at the Biddle Community Heritage Center. Graveside services will follow at the Ranch Creek Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at Biddle.
Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Broadus Cancer Fund.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
World just lost a sweetheart, our condolences to the Schaffer, West and Richards families.
Carol Hanrahan says
Bev was an absolute gem ….. her smile lit up the world. Her love of her family, country and God were so important to her! We will miss you, dear Bev!❤
Carol Mellor Hanrahan
Pat and Neal Sanburn says
We have lost a beautiful lady…beautiful both inside and out. Prayers and condolences to her family….
Chris You g says
Oh so sad. What a wonderful person. Prayers to the families.
David & Pam Nisley says
We echo the earlier posts, our prayers for comfort and peace for all her loved ones!!! She made our world so beautiful in so many ways!!!
Kelli (Mellor) Davis says
I am so very sorry to hear of Bev’s passing. To her family I offer hugs, prayers, peace, and memories of a pretty wonderful lady. Bev, I am grateful for the friendship you share with my mother. I know you are resting in the arms of God today without pain and I am grateful for that, but you will be missed by so many, myself included.
SALLY ANN BORLA says
TO ALL OF BEV’S FAMILY, MY SINCERE SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS TO ALL OF YOU–I NEVER SAW BEV WITHOUT A SMILE AND A KIND WORD–SHE WAS A VERY HAPPY, LOVING LADY AND SHOULD HAVE HAD MANY MORE YEARS. SHE WILL BE MISSED BUT IS NOW FREE FROM PAIN AND ALSO AN ANGEL IN HEAVEN. GOD BLESS
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers to all of Bev’s family!
Phyllis Landa says
So sorry for your loss ! Such a beautiful lady !
Andrea and Vern Rice says
Our prayers and condolences goes out to all of Bev’s family She was a wonderful lady. God be with all of you, in this time of sorrow.
Vanna Byrd says
I never saw Bev without a smile. What a classy lady! Gone too soon. May God Bless and Comfort everyone who knew her and mourns her passing.
Beccy Mader says
Praying for all of your family!! Like you, we are grieving for our loss NOT her gain!! If we live for the Lord we will see her again and that is such a wonderful blessing of comfort!! Beccy
LINDA HALL says
What a special friend who I will never forget. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Bev’s family and friends. She will be missed by so many.
Linda Shannon says
I have so many wonderful memories of Bev. Always a happy person and ready to lend a helping hand. My prayers to Eddy, Shelley and the rest of her family.
Pat Franklin says
My condolence to Bev’s family. Bev was one of a kind so enjoyed being around her. Always had a warm smile. Something I loved about Bev is when she laughed she would snort and then laugh some more! Bev was beautiful inside and out! Hope she Rests In Peace !
Rhonda Traub says
Going to miss my Aunt Bev, we pretty much grew up together as were only a year apart, she and Donna lived with us and went to high school are favored thing was after my parents went to bed we would sneak out to the freezer and get ourselves some ice cream, yum 😋! We had so much fun, great talks and lots of laughter!! Rest In Peace my Sweet Aunt. 🙏🤗❤️
Marlin and Jeri Cooper says
We have so many good memories of Bev. Many were of times when she was secretary at Little Powder School. We had many good laughs together. What a sweet lady. She will be so missed.
Norm and Julie Samuelson says
So sorry for your loss she was a special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Tim and Lori Blaede says
Prayers to all of Bev’s family. Her smile was infectious. Beautiful lady inside and out.
Tedi Jo Williams says
A great woman that will be missed by us all!! I hope you can go dancing in heaven!
Tedi Jo Williams says
A great woman that will be missed by us all!! I hope you can go dancing in heaven! We wish you nothing but the best to you and your family!!
Jim Moutrey says
Ed and family, sorry for your loss. Really great to see Bev and you at reunions and seeing your lives on Bev’s FB postings. Bev will be missed by all and my deepest condolences.
Nancy J Stoddard says
Such a wonderful person. So sorry for your loss. Bev was a wonderful person.
Bobby says
My dearest and closest friend that I will miss immensely but I’m so glad she’s not suffering any more and is in the arms of our savior may God be with Ed and Shelly and the rest of her family and friends and give them peace and strength during this time
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
So very sorry for your loss. Bev was a beautiful soul inside and out. Thoughts and prayers to all.
Doran & Sharon Higgins says
We are so sorry about your loss. We didn’t know her real well but enjoyed her when we met. May God Bless & Comfort you at this hard time
Robbin Stoddard says
When I was a grade school girl, I would see her when school got out and always thought she looked so beautiful and nice. When I was a little older, she was always so sweet and kind to me. Prayers for all the families hurt by her passing. Bev was truly a good woman. She made an impact on everyone who she encountered.
Skin and Betty Collins says
Ed, Shelley and families. Wanted to let you know we are thinking about you all at this time. Bev always had time to visit with us when we saw her. And what a beautiful smile she had. She will be missed by so many. Rest in peace Bev now you are out of pain. God Bless.
Allyson Kane says
Very sorry for loss. Bev fought a long courageous battle with dignity and grace. I hope all of the memories will bating you peace during this difficult time.🙏. John and Allyson Kane.🌹
Glenda Flint says
So many memories are going through my mind. We had fun and laughs, through good times and bad, and you, dear Bev, were always a loyal and caring friend. Rest in peace. You’ve earned the best, and we’ll sure will miss you. Shelley, Ed, and the rest of the family…..my prayers and condolences are with you. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Doug & Shirley 'Tuffy' Stewart says
Ed and family, Ella Mae, Sharon, siblings and families, our sympathy to all of you in the loss of Bev.
May Gods comfort and peace be with each and everyone of you.
Susan Shippy says
My heartfelt condolences to Ed, Shelley and all the rest of the family. Bev was such a light in everyone’s lives. I am so very sorry to hear of her passing. Blessings on all of Bev’s family and friends.
Bernice Rolfson says
My prayers go out to the family. Bev will be missed my many she was a beautiful lady. May she Rest In Peace.
Bernice Rolfson says
My prayers go out to the family. Bev will be missed by many.
She was a beautiful lady. May she Rest In Peace.
Lance & Chris Gierke says
Ed, Shelly & Family
We were so sorry to hear about Bev. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Heaven just gained a very special angel. Keeping our thoughts & prayers to her family & friends. I will miss you dearly my friend. Rest in Peace & God Bless.
Lance & Chris Gierke
Ginger says
Much love to Bev’s family and friends at this difficult time.
Jane & Les Thompson says
So long Auntie, We all loved you. Rest in peace sweetie, we will all miss you. Sincere condolences for all those left to grief.
Peggy Richards Johnson says
Goodbye to one of the most beautiful and caring person I know. We will miss Aunt Bev’s beautiful smile. Our deepest condolences and prayers to Uncle Ed, Shelly, and family members.
Peggy Richards Johnson says
Your deepest condolences and prayers.
Troy Swartz says
I have great memories from all those years ago when you worked for Paulette. Bev had the biggest smile and personality to go with it! My most sincere condolences to Ed and Shelley and to all other relatives. We believe, so we will see her again!
Deb Bartholomew says
Ed And Families:
So very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Bev. She was a very special Lady and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. She will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days and times ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wayne Wetherelt Jr. (Serena) says
Thoughts and prayers with Ed, Shelley and family. I have many grand memories of all the Richards family at the Montana when I worked for Donna and Floyd. It was always a great time of laughing and sharing for this family. Bev was just one of the nicest and most “genuine” person I knew. May you all be blessed with your treasured memories. My prayers are for all of you in the days ahead.