DeNiece Schaffer

DeNiece Inez (Fallwell) Schaffer, 71, of Hanston, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born on May 20, 1954, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, DeNiece lived a life filled with faith, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends. A loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many, she will be remembered for her radiant smile, her thoughtful encouragement, and her steadfast belief that goodness always shines through in a difficult world.

DeNiece was the daughter of James and Joy Fallwell, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved sister Angela (Fallwell) Fry and her nephew Jason Taylor. She grew up in Oklahoma City and often reminisced about her years living in Oceanside, California, a time she cherished for its beauty and peace. After graduating from high school in 1972, she married Lee Schaffer in January of 1973. The couple began their married life in Dallas, Texas, where their son Johnathan was born that same year. A few years later, they settled in LaCrosse, Kansas, where their daughter Amy was born in 1978. In 1980, the family moved to Hanston, Kansas, where DeNiece built a life rooted in community and enduring friendships.

In 1985 DeNiece began a new chapter as a bank teller at the Hanston State Bank, a role she held with pride and dedication until her retirement in September 2024. She was known by her customers and coworkers for her bright spirit, joyful laughter, and genuine care for everyone who walked to her window. Alongside her banking career, DeNiece became the local Avon Lady in the early 1980s, a role that suited her perfectly. Through Avon, she not only shared products but also built lifelong relationships, offering encouragement, humor, and heart to her clients and friends throughout the community.

Faith was central to DeNiece’s life. A lifelong Nazarene, she modeled her love for Jesus Christ through kindness, prayer, and unwavering optimism. Her daily social posts inspired hundreds, often reminding others of hope and light even in dark times. In her short but joy-filled retirement, she spent her days tending to her lawn and flower beds, finding peace in the beauty of God’s creation. She loved family gatherings, music, and could often be heard singing, sometimes without realizing it.

DeNiece is survived by her children Johnathan Schaffer and Amy Schaffer Wilson, her son-in-law Wade Wilson, her daughter-in-law Theresa LaBarge, and her beloved grandchildren Madeline, Jackson, and Levi, along with many extended grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whom she loved deeply. She was a beloved aunt to many in her immediate and extended family, not always by blood but certainly through love. DeNiece is also survived by her sisters Deborah (Fallwell) Hinkle, Teresa (Fallwell) Butler and Diana (Fallwell) Taylor; her sister-in-law Laurie (Seib) Schaffer, as well as her aunts Retha Hendrix and Mary Henderson all of whom shared a lifelong bond of faith, laughter, and unconditional love.

She will be remembered for her gentle humor, boundless generosity, and the way she made everyone feel seen and valued. One of her favorite phrases to share with those she held dear was, “I carry your heart in my heart, always.”

A celebration of DeNiece’s life will be held in Hanston, Kansas, with details to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to a faith-based organization that reflects her lifelong faith and service to others.