Deborah Rose Schaffer
June 01, 2015
Deborah Schaffer, 57, passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston after a long battle with pancreatic cancer on June 1, 2015, with her loving family by her side. She was born July 29, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Fred and Nitha Shaffer.
Deborah worked in advertising at The Des Moines Register for many years and was most recently a clerk for the City of Ankeny where she worked for 15 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, treasuring the time she spent with her family. She enjoyed antiques and making crafts.
Deborah is survived by her husband of 32 years, Stephen; children, Christa Hernandez, Kurtis Schaffer, Carly Schaffer, and Chelsea Schaffer; grandchildren, Mario, Marcos, Ian and Caitlyn; siblings, Allen (Ann) Shaffer, Fred (Cynthia) Shaffer, Bob (Julia) Shaffer, Dennis (Debbie) Shaffer, Alice Kerr, and Nitha Shaffer; as well as a host of other family and beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2015, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines, with visitation beginning one hour prior to service time.
In loving memory of Deborah, memorial contributions may be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Katie Ryken
06/04/2015
Chelsea - I am so sorry for your loss. I am holding you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Eric Lilienthal
06/03/2015
To Debbie's family,
I only had the pleasure of meeting Debbie one time but I've often heard that the true measure of a persons character and the mark they've made on the world is the void left when they're gone. As far as I can tell, Debbie made some huge marks on this world and the people in her life. It's my belief she will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Love and prayers to Debbie's family and friends.
Hillary Pirtle
06/02/2015
Carly, your mom was always kind and welcoming to me. I'll never forget that. She was wonderful and strong and I'm truly glad to have known her. My thoughts are with your entire family during this time.
Diane Mrazek
06/02/2015
Carly , you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Your mom was a strong women she fought a long battle,till the very end. The strength and love from each one of you is what carried her thru the toughest days and nights. She is at peace now and will always be with you forever in your heart. Use all those wonderful memories you have of your mom to guide you thru the hard days, I promise it will help. I am here for you,
Amy Nutting
06/02/2015
She sounds like a wonderful woman. Sorry for your loss.
Sandy McClure
06/02/2015
Debbie was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her memory will live on in the smiles on her grandchildren's faces. She will be surely missed and never forgotten.