Monte Gene Shaffer

February 18, 1928 – July 5, 2024

Monte Gene Shaffer, beloved father, grandfather, and community leader, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2024, at the age of 96. Born on February 18, 1928, in Walla Walla, Washington, Monte was brought home to Waitsburg, Washington, where he was raised on the family's heritage wheat ranch. He was surrounded by a large extended family, including many aunts, uncles, and cousins, who were his companions in numerous adventures and often in mischief. From a young age, Monte displayed an industrious spirit. He raised rabbits to sell to the local grocery store, tended to the horses and Hereford steers, and at just five years old, he rode his horse to the McKay one-room school down the road. As soon as he was big enough, he joined his father and grandfather in the wheat harvest, cultivating a lifelong passion for farming. Monte attended Waitsburg High School, where he graduated in the class of 1945. During his school years, he was a track champion in the 100-yard dash, played the Alto Saxophone, and briefly formed a dance band with his friends. His high school years were also filled by hunting, camping, and horse packing into the Blue Mountains with his best friend, LZ Conover, and the gang of lifelong friends. Many accounts of their trips are filled with stories of hijinks and camaraderie. It was also at Waitsburg High that Monte met the great love of his life, Dorothy Ellen Murphy. They married in November 1949 and started their life together on the Shaffer family wheat ranch outside of Waitsburg. In 1952, they moved to Prosser, WA, which they made their home. They joined the First Presbyterian Church, where they served their faith and played active roles in their church community. Together Monte and Dorothy farmed wheat in Prosser and on family land in Waitsburg until their retirement in 1996.

Monte played an integral and innovative role in wheat farming in Washington State. He is part of the generation that transitioned from horse-drawn farming equipment to the modern equipment that we know today. He was elected President of the Washington State Wheat Association, and together with Dorothy, he worked tirelessly to promote Washington wheat – including traveling to Washington D.C. to collaborate with House Speaker Tom Foley on a Farm Bill that supported wheat farmers nationwide. His contributions to agriculture were a source of pride for him and his family.

A passionate hunter for most of his life, Monte cherished the company of his hunting friends, maybe more than the act of shooting itself. In his later years, he traded his gun for a fishing pole, spending many autumns in Alaska fishing for salmon with his good friends – always sharing a boat with Bob Andrews. These trips were highlights of his later life, bringing joy to him and his family, who eagerly awaited the freshly caught salmon.

Monte was treasured by his family and friends. He was admired as a community leader – often described as kind, always willing to lend a hand, and most frequently as "a Gentleman." After the loss of his beloved wife Dorothy in 2012, Monte was fortunate to find love and companionship again with his special friend Patsy Mercer.

Preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy, and his loved grandson, Jacob, Monte is survived by his three children: Denise (spouse, Richard) of Brooklyn, NY; Lorie of Seattle, WA; and Christopher (spouse, Debbie) of Walla Walla, WA. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren, Mikah (spouse, Brandon) and Zachary, and his great-grandson, Maverick.

Monte's legacy of kindness, hard work, and dedication to his family and community is cherished by all who knew him. A memorial service will be held to honor his life and contributions.  The service will be held at the Prosser Presbyterian Church on September 20 at 1:00 pm and burial at the Waitsburg Cemetery on September 21 at 1:00 pm.

Monte is deeply missed by us all.