Jody Lynn Shaffer (Brown) of Billings, MT, loving mom and grandma, left to be with the love of her life, Charles Shaffer, on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the age of 58.
Jody was born in Riverton, WY to Lorena Kohler (Waters) and was raised and loved by Lorena and Harvey Kohler. Growing up, she attended school in Arapaho and graduated from Riverton High School in 1980. Jody raised two children, Jacob and Briana, as a single mother until she met Charles Shaffer in 1996. They were married on April 1, 2002 and truly were each other’s soul mates. She worked over 30 years as a full charge bookkeeper, working in various industries including accounting, trucking, and construction.
Growing up, Jody loved riding horses and could often be found riding bareback through the countryside. She swam competitively when she was younger and loved to tell stories about all of the shenanigans she got into with her big brother and sister and her large group of friends. Shortly after graduation, she had her beautiful son, Jacob. They moved to Idaho and Montana for several years where she traveled and sold insurance. In 1985, she moved back home to Riverton, where she later had her daughter, Briana.
Jody worked hard to support her children and to take care of her family. Jody and her kids were often known as the three musketeers. There wasn’t anything the three of them couldn’t do as long as they were together. When Charles came into their life, he completed their family. He loved and supported Jody and her two kids unconditionally. It gives us peace knowing that they are together again.
Jody loved her children, husband, family, dogs, and most of all, her granddaughter Dahlia. She was loyal, loving, honest, and would fight tooth and nail for those she loved most. She wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, to stand up for what was right, or to defend the underdog. She loved spoiling her granddaughter, shopping, going to concerts, traveling, spending time with her son, sipping margaritas with her daughter, and taking care of everyone in her family. Jody loved with all of her heart and left her mark on everyone she came across.
Jody was preceded in death by her grandpa and grandma, Ed & Mary Waters. She is survived by her mom and dad, Lorena and Harvey, brother Tim Brown, sister and brother-in-law Tammy & Lee Robinson (all of Riverton), her son Jacob Nelson of Billings, her daughter and son-in-law Briana & Daniel Rickman of Billings, and her granddaughter Dahlia. She also loved her aunt and uncle, nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
We love you to the moon and back!
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Anyone who would like to share stories, memories, or photos of Jody may do so by emailing Briana at bri.rickman@gmail.com.
