Mary Charlotte Schaffer, age 95, passed away on February 1, 2025 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana.
Mary was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Ernest and Angelina Preston. Mary was born September 8, 1929 at Broadus, Montana. She grew up and attended grade school and high school at Broadus. Mary’s father, Ernest, passed away when Mary was young. Mary’s mother, Angelina, supported the family by washing clothes. Angelina bought Mary a bicycle with a basket, so Mary could deliver the newly washed clothes all over the Broadus community. At the age of eleven and twelve, Mary was working in the restaurants, first as a dishwasher and then for many years as a waitress. Her senior year, Mary went to school in the mornings and then worked half days as the Assistant Treasurer at the Powder River County Courthouse. She graduated as salutatorian of her class. Mary met Bill Schaffer during the summer of 1947. Mary had just finished high school and Bill had just been discharged from the Navy at the end of World War II. Bill and Mary were married on Valentines Day, February 14th, 1948. Bill was the love of Mary’s life. They had three children, Ronnie, Connie and Debrah. Soon a niece, Bobby Jean Preston joined the family. Mary was an excellent cook and she welcomed company. She invited several nieces and nephews to stay at their home. Some of them stayed during the school year and some of them stayed during the summer. There was always a houseful. Mary started teaching in January of 1955. She taught for over 30 years at various schools including Washington School, Boyes School, Hay Creek School, Biddle School and for many years at Broadus Elementary School.
Mary always had a large garden and her yard was filled with beautiful flowers. Mary and Bill both participated in rodeos. Bill roped and Mary barrel raced. Later, Mary worked in the crows nest as a timer at the rodeos. Bill and Mary ranched north of Boyes, Montana where they raised Quarter Horses and Hereford cattle. They showed their horses at many of the area horse shows. They had several trophies and ribbons. Horses were a big part of their lives. They also lived on Hay Creek which had large productive fields. In the summer, Mary fed the haying and combine crews. She also attended Black Hills State College in the summer. Later, she attended Eastern Montana College at Billings, Montana where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree.
Mary and Bill were married for 73 years. Mary’s greatest joy has always been her children, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Mary loved her flowers and the small babies on the ranch, especially the baby colts, the baby calves and the baby kittens.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Connie (Jim) Capp and Debrah (John) Capp and by a special niece Bobby Jean (Lee) Traub, a sister-in-law Margaret Schaffer as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews and nieces. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her son Ronnie, her parents Ernest and Angelina Preston, her brothers: George, Tom, Kenneth, Ernest and Acie and her sisters: Alma, Velma, Elsie, Hallie, Ruby, Marjorie and Esther.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Boyes Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Boyes Cemetery.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 17, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson Street
Broadus, MT 59317
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday February 17, 2025
Boyes Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Boyes , MT 59316
Reception
Following the Interment
Monday February 17, 2025
Boyes Community Hall
Boyes , MT 59316
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 17, 2025
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
101 Wilson Street
Broadus, MT 59317
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday February 17, 2025
Boyes Cemetery
Cemetery Rd.
Boyes , MT 59316
Reception
Following the Interment
Monday February 17, 2025
Boyes Community Hall
Boyes , MT 59316
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Lucky Teigen Grummons says
Connie and Debbie and families, you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Sandy Stahl says
Just today, my 95 year old Mother, Yvonne Snider, asked about Mary. They were friends from the time they were very little girls and Mary”s family would go to Miles City to see family, who lived near Yvonne’s family. Later they both became school teachers, had daughters the same age, rarely saw one another, but remained fast friends. Mom has a picture on her wall of a photo taken with Mary last summer when we visited her in the Manor. My Mom has lost a true lifelong friend. Our thoughts are with all of her family.
Ann Will (Schneidt) says
Mrs. Schaffer (Mary) was my favorite teacher and was the inspiration to become a teacher myself. She was warm, kind, supportive and a wonderful person and teacher. She has always held a special place in my heart, as well as all the tender memories and life lessons she shared. Our deepest condolences to her family! May she rest in peace in heaven – teaching others with her wisdom and love in every lesson.
Larry Hall Family says
Our sympathy to all the Schaffer Family. Larry lost his last surviving aunt. How lucky you were to have had her for so many years. Remember all the good times you had together with her. Rest in peace Aunt Mary.
Judy Denson-Keller says
My heart, thoughts, prayers and hugs go out to Mary’s family. Mary was my 5th grade teacher and one of the best teachers I ever had. Everytime I went to visit my folks at the manor, I would give her a hug and tell her how much of an impact she made on our lives. There was one time she stopped me in the middle of the hallway, read my T-shirt then cracked up, laughing, just like the ‘Mary’ I knew. The T-Shirt read “Yes I have ‘O.C.D.’ (OLD, CRANKY, AND DANGEROUS)!” She then told me, “No, you’ve always been a sweet girl!”. Mary was always positive and upbeat person. Heaven has gained a special angel 😇!
Betty Collins says
Prayers,hugs and thoughts are with all of Mary’s families. She was a wonderful person. A great teacher and a friend to everyone. Keep your memories in your hearts and she will always be your guardian angel. Loved Mary. When I last talked to her she told me she wanted to go be with Bill and dance again. You got your wish.
Janet & Gerald Himelspach says
Our sympathy to all of Mary’s family. She was such a happy person, nice to visit with. May your memories sustain you.
Robbin Stoddard says
Sincere condolences to Mary’s family as they mourn her passing. She was an extraordinary woman and the legacy she leaves behind is far-reaching. Rest in God’s peace, Mary.
Mable Watters Lane says
Mary Schaffer: Was a great Lady and Teacher I could call her in the evenings about Math problems. She remembered me every time she seen me!!!😭😭😭
Mable Watters Lane says
Mable Watters Lane: Mrs.Schaffer was a great Lady and Teacher. I could call her in the evenings about Math problems and she would help me with them on the phone. Every body that she a friend, teacher,or part of their life I think luck 😭😭😭
EllaMae and Allen Drane. says
So sorry to hear Mary was a sweet,delightful lady,our sincere condolences to all her family.
Ron and Connie Watts says
Connie and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Mary’s passing. May God bless you all.
Mary Smith Roig says
I’m so sorry for your loss but I know she has a beautiful life in heaven. I remember her well as a wonderful teacher and a friend loved in the community. Her smile at the manor was precious. A lovely woman My prayers go out to all
Sylvia Zimmer says
Mary was such a sweet lady.. remembering when she taught at the school by Wendy’s parents home. My Mom always talked very fondly of her. Thoughts and prayers to all the family.
Shawn and Wendy Richards says
So very sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a legend to so many!! Thoughts and prayers to all of her family!!
Deanna J Hay says
To Connie and Debbie & Families…Mary was a sweet, hard working woman, I spent many days at the Schaffer ranch mostly riding with Connie…good memories! Thinking of you all…Larry & Deanna Hay
Barb Dalby says
Sending love and condolences. My Dad was classmates with Mary and often asks about her. He made a point to visit her when he was in Broadus with Bill a few years ago. I also have fond memories of Mary as my favorite teacher. Heaven gained an angel! Rest in peace sweet lady. Barb Burton-Dalby
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Connie and Debbie, your mom was a special lady. Hugs to you.
Linda Hall says
Mary was one of my favorite teachers. Thoughts and prayers for all the family.
Laura Lee Ullrich says
Connie, Debbie , Nina and families: Oh how I will miss seeing this very special lady at the Manor. I have known her most of my life as my uncle was her brother and her sister Marjorie was the best teacher I ever had. Bill and Mary were constant fixtures in my 11 years in 4-H and I grew up having great respect for them both. I will have to find someone else to lead us in the Lord’s Prayer at Manor worship. Prayers for the families as you celebrate a life well lived.
Leona Neate says
Sending prayers and hugs to Mary’s family. Mary was a special lady. Our thoughts are with all who knew her.
Albert and Leona Neate
Tavy Turnbough says
Condolences to the whole family. I will always have many fond memories of the many years I knew her ❤️
William Collins says
Mary was an amazing lady and teacher. I have fond memories of getting a smack to the back of the head when I was acting up in her 5th grade class. Rest in Peace Mary. You will be missed!
Sheri Gali says
You were my favorite teacher when I had to transition from country school to town. I was scared beyond words but you made me feel so welcome! Hugs to your family. Rest in peace dear Mary, you will be truly missed. ♥️💔
Allen Wetherelt says
Mary was a wonderful teacher and friend. She was so proud of her kids, the one’s she taught and the one’s she raised. God bless.
Norm & Julie Samuelson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families.
Linda Macy says
Condolences to the family, Mary was such a sweet lady!
Bill & Brenda Allison says
Connie, Debbie, and Bobbie, hugs to you all and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary was such a happy person with a great smile.
Sam Pilcher says
Thoughts and prayers to the Schaffer family, she was a great lady and one of my favorite teachers.
Sharyn Wallace says
Her giggles! I loved visiting with her ♥️🥰♥️ she definitely made a good mark in this world. I hope I can have her stamina and wisdom on my way to 95. She will be missed 🥀
Tammie McGill Cunningham says
She was one wonderful lady. I loved as my 5th grade teacher. I am so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Mike and Tammy Pecha says
SO sorry for your loss.Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Tom and lillian Ostendorf says
So sorry to see Mary passed away. She lived a great life. You have our sincere condolences.
Kenton Gunther says
Mrs Schaffer was my all time Favorite teacher in grade school. She taught us 5th and 6th grade as no one wanted us for 6th grade so she moved to teach us 6th grade! I remember all the Louise Lamar books she read to us! Rest in Peace Mrs Schaffer!!
stacy wingerter says
To the family of Mrs Schaffer,
She was an incredible teacher! I had her as my 5th grade teacher! She read Louis L’Amour chapter books, taught us neatness always counts! on your project, and your work space! we raised money for the Statue of Liberty restoration, she taught us decoupage and many fun projects. She gave terrific Avon Christmas gifts! and made sure everyone got the attention they needed when reading assignments or doing their work. She will be missed. God Bless your family. May she rest in peace.
Cody Morris says
To the family of Mary Schaffer:
Mary was a wonderful lady! I didn’t know her until her later years, but she seemed to take a liking to me and was always so very kind. I still have a sweet letter of friendship and encouragement that I once received from her. I’ll never forget her! My condolences to you all.
Bobby Traub says
My Dear Auntie I can’t say enough nice things about her she was my saving grace , she will always hold a a very special place in my heart ,May God comfort all those who loved her .
Kathy Andrews says
My thoughts and prayers are with Mary’s family. Mary was my favorite teacher! She helped me learn that the so-called strong kids weren’t always so strong. And the so-called weak kids were strong in their own way. She taught me so much about being content with being myself. 5th grade was a huge breakthrough for me!