After 98 remarkable years, the music of Willa Maxine Shaffer's life came to rest Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Conemaugh Nason Medical Center, Roaring Spring, leaving behind a melody of love, joy, and beautiful memories. Willa was born in New Enterprise on October 10, 1927, daughter of the late James F. and Kathryn (Hall) Steele. 

On January 27, 1950, she married her husband G. Reid Shaffer, who preceded her in death on August 6, 2002. After living in several different states and countries, they settled in Curryville, PA and owned and operated Shaffer Farm Equipment Inc. for 59 years. She relocated to Bedford, PA in 2016.

She is survived by daughter- Julie S. wife of Shawn P. Davidson, of Bedford; daughter- Edna J. wife of Craig J. Adkins, of North Canton, OH; two granddaughters - Dr. Kayla Davidson of Jacksonville, FL and Cristy Adkins, TSGT at Beale AFB, Lincoln, CA. She is also survived by her "New York son" James Peterson, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Although she had two daughters, she was "Mom" to so many more. Willa is preceded in death by siblings: Robert, Bruce, Claude, Leon, Lester, Harriet (Steele) Davis, and Eleanor (Steele) Ebersole. Willa was the youngest of the family. 

A strong woman of faith, Willa was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Woodbury from childhood where she was the pianist from the age of 13. She eventually became the organist and choir director of both adults and children. Upon moving to Bedford in 2016, she became a member of the Bedford Methodist Church, where she continued as organist up to November of this year. Along with her dedication to her church, she volunteered her time to multiple programs such as Meals on Wheels, Sacred Music Library in Hollidaysburg, and Altoona Mission Central. 

Beginning in the 1960's, she and her husband Reid hosted several children from NYC through the Fresh Air Fund and two students from Japan through the AFS Foreign Exchange Program. They both embraced spontaneous, adventurous spirits, traveling extensively and meeting people along the way - forming relationships that didn't just pass through their lives, but lasted. Leisure time was spent with family and friends making memories at their cottage at Raystown Lake or long road trips with no destination in mind. 

In her later years, Willa found joy in attending theatre and music performances with family and friends. At home she enjoyed "jamming" on the piano, birding, crosswords, high-speed mowing her yard, going for drives, and Jeopardy. Well into her 90's, she continued to nurture others by baking cookies to give away.

Beloved by so many, Mom now rests with Dad where the music never ends. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 10-11 AM at Bedford Methodist Church, Bedford with a Celebration of Life held at 11 AM with Pastor Bob Marsh officiating and a meal following.

Inurnment will be at Dry Hill Cemetery, Woodbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bedford Methodist Church. 
Online condolences may be expressed at http://www.geiselfuneral.com/. Arrangements entrusted to Geisel-Styer Funeral Homes, Bedford, Pennsylvania.