Deborah Koskie Shaffer

"From my body, flowers shall grow and I am in them and that is eternity." - Thomas Moore.

Our sunflower has finished blooming and released her seeds back into the world.

Deborah "Deb" Koskie Shaffer began her next journey, leaving this life on February 19, 2025. She fought courageously until the very end, leaving behind a world that feels a little dimmer without her bright spirit.

Born and raised in McCall, Idaho, in June of 1963 to Don and Sharon Koskie, Deb grew up surrounded by the mountains she loved so much. In her early years, she pursued her love of theater, active both in high school productions and later at the Alpine Playhouse in McCall. She eventually left her hometown for Boise, where she explored college, though her path was still unfolding.

It was in Boise where she met the love of her life, Jim Shaffer. They married in 1991 and together built a family that would become Deb’s proudest achievement—her two children, Kiana and Kain. Her fierce devotion to her family was unparalleled, and they remained the center of her world.  She was her children’s biggest cheerleader, always standing behind them with encouragement—whether for their careers, ambitions, or dreams.

Deb’s heart was always drawn to the outdoors. Whether hiking, camping, or casting a fishing line, her happiest days were spent in nature. She was a sun worshipper, most at peace on the water—boating at Lucky Peak, paddleboarding, or soaking up the beauty of mountain lakes. She always out fished her family and never let a spring or summer pass without hunting for morels and huckleberries. Her love for the beach led her on adventures to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Cabo, Jamaica, Cozumel, and beyond—where the sun and sand brought her endless joy.  Whether it was camping, a lazy Sunday, or a family holiday, Deb loved playing games. She wasn’t competitive—she simply enjoyed having fun and always let her kids win. An avid reader with a passion for writing, she had dreamed of becoming an author one day.

Later in life, Deb found her true calling in education. At 40, she became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning a degree in social work and counseling (LSW) with a focus on mental health and addiction. Motivated by her own life experiences, she went on to earn her master’s degree and became a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). She dedicated her life to helping others navigate their struggles with addiction, drawing strength and empathy from her own journey.

Deb was also a lifelong pet lover, never without a loyal dog by her side. Her current dogs, River and Styx, will feel her absence deeply, as will her grand-cat, Panda, whom she loved to babysit.

Deb leaves this world to join her father, Don Koskie, in peace. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Jim Shaffer; her cherished children, Kiana and Kain, and her daughter-in-law, Shawnee; her mother, Sharon Koskie; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jerre and Lin Harris, and Pattie and Ed Koskie-Dungan; her mother- and father-in-law, JoAnn and Chuck Breske; her beloved sisters- and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Mike Griffith, Pam and Jeff Leaton, and Dave and Erin Shaffer; along with many treasured nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Throughout her battle with pancreatic cancer, Deb was surrounded by the unwavering love and support of her family, who stood by her side, lifting her up through every step of her courageous fight. Her journey was incredibly difficult, but she faced it with strength and grace.

She left this world peacefully, and while our hearts ache with her absence, we are grateful that her pain is finally gone, and she is no longer suffering.

Deb leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and resilience. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Plant sunflowers in her memory or honor Deb’s legacy by supporting a cause she cared about. She deeply supported an organization where Kiana volunteers, helping deaf children experience outdoor adventures. Donations in Deb Shaffer’s memory can be made at Highergroundusa.org