Esther Harriette Shaffer 1923-2025

“Harriette” was born Dec. 18, 1923, in Warren, to Alfred and Esther Clark Ihlenfield. She was a 1941 graduate of Howland High School, where she played euphonium in the band and with the Fidettes, an all-girl band in Warren.

Music was a lifelong love, and she enjoyed listening to Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald, watching older musicals, attending concerts, teaching herself to play the organ and participating in the handbell choir, as well as singing in the choir at St. Paul Lutheran Church. She served at St. Paul’s with love and it was an integral part of her life until her later years.

On Jan. 20, 1946, Harriette and her future husband, William J. Shaffer, said their “I do’s” at St. Paul’s, and then embarked on a memorable honeymoon to Florida. Memorable because their 1937 Packard broke down, keeping the newlyweds at a service garage for two days. Along with some “Florida Weather” and an unfortunate mishap with the police where their vehicle was mistaken for one wanted by the local authorities, Harriette said it was a rather enjoyable start to their 42 years together, until Bill’s passing in 1988.

They had one child, a son, William Jeffrey, who was dearly wanted and dearly loved. Their family life was busy and full with work, family get-togethers, vacations, church and other enjoyable experiences, with the building of their home in Howland being one of her very favorites.

Harriette was fiercely independent and physically strong. She helped shingle roofs when she was 65 years old.

After high school, Harriette worked at Paar’s Drug Store on Main Avenue SW until Bill and she began their family. In later years, they managed the Cactus Grill on East Market Street, where customers enjoyed home-style cooking and freshly baked pies every day. When it closed, she continued working at Giant Eagle in the Howland Plaza as bakery manager until her retirement. To say Harriette loved sewing was an understatement. She had many different sewing machines and thoroughly had fun with her embroidery machines, making many embellished outfits. She made all her own clothes, and her knitting machine turned out a sweater, mittens, scarves and slippers. She liked creating items to be distributed to others, including her special occasion computer cards, which always had one of her favorite quotes added somewhere on the card! She was a self-proclaimed “outdoors kind of gal” and said she always found contentment sitting under one of her many beautiful trees and allowing the fresh air to wash over her. Her flower gardens were beautiful and one of her true loves. Harriette often said that she would rather be outside working than inside, and honestly admitted that housework and decorating were not her cup of tea.

On Dec. 18, Harriette would have celebrated her 102nd birthday and was hoping she would make it to that mark, but God had His plan.

Her life was full. She remarked that hard work, not smoking or drinking, a positive attitude and her faith in God kept her in excellent health. She loved potato chips and Riesen’s candy, and one always found those in bowls on her chairside table.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her four siblings, Alfred, Dorothea, Mary and Edwin; her lifelong friend, Rosamond Ruggieri; and step-great-granddaughter, Amelia. Her sweet canine companion, Tammy, whom she rescued, was a constant comfort and passed before her.

Harriette is survived by her son and his wife, Sherie; a step-grandson, Matthew (Kateri); and four step-great-grandchildren, William, Lucy, Matilda and Jared; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with her life of service, Esther donated her body to Case Western Reserve School of Medicine.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Tikvat Israel Messianic Synagogue, Chesterland, with Rabbi Eric Lakatos officiating.

Contributions in Esther’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Her son and daughter-in-law would like to offer a thank you to the staff of 1 South at UH Geauga Medical Center and Crossroads Hospice. Their care and devotion to Esther Harriette were exceptional and it was greatly appreciated. And a very special thank you to Dr. Malathi Amarnath, her physician at 1 South, who gave our mom the best care any patient or family member could ask for.

Carl W. Hall Funeral Home is honored to assist with these arrangements. Her obituary may be viewed and condolences may be left at www.carlwhall.com.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.

“Little Children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” I John 3:18.

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