Dorothy Mae "Dot" Sheaffer

After 97 full and beautiful years, Dorothy Mae “Dot” Sheaffer went home to be with the Lord this week, leaving behind a legacy of faith, laughter, kindness, and love that touched everyone who knew her.

Born in Penbrook, Pennsylvania, Dot was the only child of Harry E. Bowman and Elizabeth Kessler.

Dot was preceded in death by the love of her life, Richard William “Dick” Sheaffer, with whom she shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. Their story began when they were teenagers and blossomed into a lifelong partnership filled with faith, humor, devotion, and football. Together, Dot and Dick shared a deep love of Penn State football, holding season tickets for over 50 years and cheering passionately from the stands and from in home. Their love was the foundation of a beautiful family that continues to thrive.

A proud member of Grace Church for 74 years, Dot lived her faith every single day. She poured her heart into her church family through the Fellowship Ministry, Wonderful Wednesdays, and as a Sunday School teacher, guiding generations of children in their spiritual journeys. Her love for people extended far beyond the church walls. She was a tireless volunteer at the Republican Party Headquarters, and she devoted countless hours arranging drivers for the American Cancer Society, making sure cancer patients always had a ride when they needed one. She was also involved in starting Hospice for Waynesboro and Augusta County, and she faithfully volunteered in the Emergency Room at the local hospital, offering comfort, conversation, and her ever-present smile.

She is survived by her three children, Beth, Lydia, and Tom, and her son-in-law Gary. She was the proud grandmother of Suzanne, Stephanie, Katy, and Amy, and their husbands Paul, Chris, and Evan. Dot was also blessed with six great-grandchildren — Preston, Brooke, Grayson, Lucas, Jack, and Bennett — who brought her endless joy and she loved getting new pictures of them on her iPad.

As the cherished matriarch of her family, Dot created and nurtured family traditions that brought everyone together and that will last for generations. She made sure every holiday and gathering was full of love, laughter, and food. From Easter Sunday at Grace Lutheran, to annual family beach trips, to the cherished Nutcracker performances at Christmas, she infused each moment with love, laughter, and her famous cooking. At the beach, she was always ready to feed everyone — her famous chicken corn soup was a family favorite — and she never let anyone leave on an empty stomach.

Dot didn’t just love Penn State football, she loved football of any kind. Her family fondly remembers getting into her car, turning on the ignition, and being greeted by football fight songs blaring from a cassette tape. She also loved polka music.

Dot had a sense of humor like no other — she was the woman who always had her nails done, hair permed, and lipstick on, but wouldn’t hesitate to stick out her tongue or pose with a cigar just to make everyone laugh. Beneath that playfulness was deep compassion. She had an incredible memory for names and stories, and she always remembered what people were going through — keeping in touch by phone with family, friends, church members, and just about everyone in Waynesboro.

Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she spent countless hours cooking for others, talking on the phone, and watching football.

Dot was the embodiment of love, humor, and generosity. She lived a life that reminded everyone around her of the beauty in caring deeply, serving faithfully, and loving joyfully.

She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and her community, but her light will continue to shine in the countless lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, 500 S. Wayne Avenue, Waynesboro, with Pastor Paul Pingle officiating.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Allison Wood, Amber Hall, and Wanda Shifflett from Medi Home Hospice for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 1430 Rolkin Court, Suite 203

Charlottesville, VA 22911 or Grace Lutheran Church – Friends Fund, 500 S. Wayne Avenue,Waynesboro, VA 22980.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes of Waynesboro.