Martha M. Shaffer

Martha Bell (Morris) Shaffer passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 7th, 2023.

Marty, later to be named “JuJu” by her great-grandchildren, was born in Kansas City, MO, June 12th, 1926.  She was the sixth child born to her parents Frederick and Lula Morris.  She was the last living member of her immediate family.

She was married to Herbert Donald Shaffer and they had one son, Thomas Donald Shaffer (deceased) November 10th, 2021.

Growing up during the depression, she shared many stories of challenging times.  Coal to heat the stove, pancakes most nights for dinner, the first TV the children bought for their parents, walking and riding street cars to work and school, losing their home, handmade dresses by Lula and bouncing around rental homes.

Despite the obstacles of her youth, Marty craved knowledge and education as she knew that was the only way to rise up.  She attended Henry C. Kumpf Grade School at 44th and Wabash.  She then attended Paseo High School and graduated in 1943.  Later in life she continued her education journey at the University of Missouri, Kansas City.  At UMKC she furthered her studies in education and the Spanish language.  She went on to teach Spanish in the Shawnee Mission School District with a majority of time at Indian Hills Junior High.  She retired in 1986 but continued teaching Spanish for years.

Her passion for romance languages became all consuming.  She was active with the La Causerie Françoise and El Club Interamericano.  She was fortunate enough to travel to Spain, Mexico, Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Russia, Estonia, Latvia and Finland many times chaperoning students learning the language and culture.

She also enjoyed the game of golf and was a part of leagues at Leawood South, Ironhorse and Swope Memorial golf clubs.

Her retirement years were relaxing, and she also stayed busy volunteering at Ozanam Home for Boys where she was awarded volunteer of the year.

We will miss her dearly.

She is survived by her grandsons Paul (Dawna Rutledge) and Jonathan (Kristen) Shaffer as well as great-grandchildren Reid and Marcella Shaffer.

A celebration of life will be arranged in early 2024.