The Earthly journey of Dehra Suzanne Winters Shafer came to an end on October 22, 2026. The cause of death was heart failure after a prolonged illness.
The daughter of Charlotte (Bohn) and Ardie Winters, she was born in Waynesboro, PA, where she graduated with the Waynesboro Area Senior High School Class of 1967.
She held degrees from Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA, in biology, and from Penn State with a master’s degree in Adult Education. She was also a doctoral candidate, all-but-dissertation.
In 1972 she married Ron Shafer, the start of a loving 54-year partnership.
Among her varied passions were learning, always learning, travel (all Lower 48 states), the Girl Scouts (a lifelong Scout she had been a professional Girl Scout in State College PA and Norfolk VA), being in the out-of-doors, and Star Trek (she would even watch the painfully bad original series).
She is survived by Ron; her sister Jennifer Hessert and husband, Bill; godson Andrew Sinnes and the entire Sinnes family, and many, many friends who are family and family who are friends.
A note from Ron: This is written in the factual language of an obituary; it cannot begin to capture the fullness of Dehra’s life nor the grief of those of us who miss her.
And a closing message from Dehra: “Do not cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.”
Dehra requested a Celebration of Life around her birthday in May. Details will be provided as available.
Thank you for your affection for Dehra. Donations may be made to these organizations should you so wish:
The Hydrocephalus Association
6903 Rockledge Drive
Suite 740
North Bethesda, MD 20817
The Girl Scouts of America
Attn: Office of Philanthropy
P.O. Box 5046
New York, NY 10087-5046
Huntingdon County Humane Society
11371 School House Hollow Rd.
Huntingdon, PA 16652
