Sandra Jo Nielsen Shaffer passed away on Feb. 22, 2025, in Kalispell after struggling with cancer, while surrounded by her family that loves her dearly. All Sandra wished for is to have more time with her family. She was 77 years old at the time of her death. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-grandmother and a friend to many.

Sandra was born Oct. 13, 1947, in Mesa, Arizona and was the first child of Delbert Lamar "Duffy" and Mary Josephine Nielsen. Duffy and Mary Jo moved to California for a short time, but settled in Mesa, Arizona where Sandra attended elementary, and junior high school. She then graduated from Westwood High School in 1965. 

After graduation she went to visit her cousin who was on a date with Jim Shaffer in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her cousin tried to set her up on dates with no success, so her cousin had Jim Shaffer take her out and show her Salt Lake City. And so, the love story began, Sandra was introduced to her "Love of her Life," James Michael Shaffer. Sandra always said, "I loved him the first time I saw him, so I do believe in destiny, we were meant to be together."

Jim was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam conflict in 1966 and was overseas for two years while Sandra attended hair school and became a hairdresser in Mesa, Arizona. She was a very talented hairdresser. After two years Sandra went to BYU for a change from Arizona. Jim returned to Salt Lake City, Utah after serving two years of active duty. They met again on Dec. 11, 1967, when Jim drove to BYU on a snowy night. After that, they were inseparable for the rest of her life.

Sandra was so excited to marry James Michael Shaffer on March 9, 1968, for time and all eternity. They lived in Salt Lake City for a couple of years where Shelly and Jamie were born. They moved to Mesa, Arizona (Sandra’s birthplace) to be around her family. 

Sandra learned to play golf, helped her husband teach golf camps and retreats, and still had time to be a fine hairdresser, a great mom and wife. She was very talented at painting, sewing and anything artistic — that gave her so much joy.

Jim and family moved to Columbia Falls, where Lisa was born in Whitefish. Then moved to Lakeside, Arizona where Tara was born, and on to Salt Lake City, Utah where Jessica was born. They went on to Seattle, Washington where Noah was born, and then to the Fort Worth, Texas area where Samantha was born. With all of these moves Sandra adjusted to whatever came in life. She loved her children so much that Jim would have to take second stage to them all.

Sandra was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had many church callings during her life; she had a special love for the youth in the church, she was always called to the Young Women’s organization at each ward she was a member.

Sandra got her wish that she would be the first in her family to pass away; she didn’t want to see any of her children die. However, her grandchild, Brooklyn Grace Elliott, died March 7, 2006. 

She is survived by her husband, James, her daughters, Shelly (Kurt) Lambrecht, Jamie (Bruce) Germaine, Lisa (Briar) Purdy, Tara Douglas, Jessica (Derek) Elliott, Samantha (Leland) Watson, and son Noah (Lindsay), 21 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, sister, Jacque Long, and brother, Delbert Nielsen. 

Sandra was preceded in death by both parents.  

Sandra took great pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she was always showing off their accomplishments to anybody that would listen, they gave her great Joy.

There will be a viewing on Friday, Feb. 28, from 6-8 p.m., at the Darlington Funeral Home Chapel, 3408 Hwy 2 East, Kalispell, MT. The funeral will be held on Saturday, March 1, at 10 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Kalispell 3rd Ward, 1380 Whitefish Stage Road, Kalispell, MT. Her final resting place will be at the Conrad Cemetery Sec. B, 641 Conrad Drive, Kalispell, Montana. Visit www.youtube.com for a live stream of services.