Memories of Mom-Helen Shaffner

On the 22nd anniversary (1 July 2001) of Mom’s death (Helen Lloyd Shaffner), I am reflecting on the impact her life made on me, as well as her family and friends.

Mom grew up in Waitsburg, Washington.  Her ancestors were pioneers in Walla Walla County after traversing the Oregon Trail in 1845 and 1854.  Helen graduated from Waitsburg High School and learned to play the piano as she grew up.  After graduating she attended Washington State College in Pullman, Washington where she met Dad, Don Shaffner, who was from Dillon, Montana.   Don was a veterinary student.  Don & Helen married in 14 July 1946.

While Mom grew up in an ag community as her Dad had a farm as well as a meat market; Dillon, Montana was totally different agriculture and life.  She attended her first Labor Day rodeo event in Dillon in 1946.  She was astounded at the life of a cowboy and rancher as well as the watering holes (bars) on Main Street.

Labor Day 1946

Dillon, Montana

Mom married a veterinarian, yet she had allergies to all animals, was scared of horses and really didn’t like cats or dogs all that much!  Her fear of horses came from an incident with a runaway horse on her Dad’s farm when she was a teenager.  Falling off and breaking her back was probably the source of her fear.

Mom handled her fears and allergies as she learned the veterinary life.  When the Veterinary Hospital needed a bookkeeper, Mom began a new role.  When Dad bought the ranch, she learned another type of life, ranching.  She often had to hold my sister’s & my horse while we saddled and rode off from the ranch buildings to help Dad, either trail cattle or whatever task he had for us.  Mom would watch us ride off and then drive back to the house in town.   She handled her fear (not always concealed well) but she did it.  It had to be hard to watch her daughters ride off by themselves to go check cattle in an area known as the Rocky Hills which was also home to rattlesnakes.  The one fear she never conquered was driving the road to the ranch when muddy.  She might stop on the hill and breathe while those following her attempted to stop, but she did it.

I think Mom may have gotten on a horse a maximum of 3 times after she married Dad in 1946.

This is a rare picture of Mom on a horse.  A fear she never really got over.  But she did it!

Gail Kuntz, Helen Shaffner, Don Shaffner

Mom’s great love was music.  She played the piano and the organ as well as taught piano.  She  accompanied soloists and played for weddings & funerals in Dillon in many different venues and churches.  Helen was the organist for 40+ years at the Dillon Presbyterian Church.

I remember when Mom was able to purchase a piano for her home, she was so happy!

Helen playing the organ and accompanying a soloist.

Mom was also known for food.  She often took a dish to a family who had a death, or bazaars, hosting a party, hauled meals to the ranch or wherever we might be trailing cattle.   Here would came Mom loaded with everything one might need to feed a crew.  Helen often packed saddle bag lunches for the crew which to this day are legendary.  The lunch might be ready at 3 AM when we left the house, but the hard boiled eggs were peeled, salt & pepper was included too.

The lunch she provided on Monday after the parade on Labor Day weekend was and is still legendary!  Mom was efficient and organized and fed at the very least a rough estimate of 30-50 people.  

Helen baked & frosted the cake.

Picture was taken at the ranch

Sewing was another of Mom’s talents.  She remade coats to fit her daughters along with shirts, skirts and dresses.  She loved to quilt. I often wonder how she did it all.

Cathedral Window Quilt

Don & Helen Shaffner

Mother definitely made an impact on my life, my sister's life as well as so many others.  She was mentor, teacher and through out her life conquered a fear or two.  A remarkable life she led!  It is hard to believe she has been gone for 22 years.  I think of her often and when faced with a problem, I ask myself; "What would Mom do?"