Obituary of Helen Thorne Shaffer

Helen Thorne Shaffer, age 89, passed away peacefully in Sugar Land, Texas on Friday, May 1, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born November 11, 1930, in Fairmont, West Virginia to Ralph and Goldie (Yost) Eddy. She married Horace Riley Thorne on June 18, 1948, who preceded her in death in 1974. Together they had two children, Alan and Nancy. She was a 1948 graduate of Clay-Battelle High School. Helen worked in the Radiology department at West Virginia University Medical Center as well as the United States Postal Service. In 1997, she moved to Houston, Texas to live with her daughter, Nancy, and son-in-law, William, and their family. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed spending time tending to her vegetable garden as well as baking. Her hands were rarely still as one of her many great talents was sewing and quilt-making. She was a perfectionist with her craft and created special pieces for as many grandchildren and friends as she was able. Helen's other love was watching her hometown West Virginia University Mountaineer football team play. She rarely missed a game and knew the roster as if she had helped recruit the team. She always had the television volume as high as it would go to ensure she got the full game day experience and there is a high probability she single-handedly kept Coca-Cola in business. Helen treasured her family dearly and her most cherished role was Granny. Helen is survived by her son, Alan R. Thorne, D.O. Of Marlinton, WV; daughter, Nancy E. Davis and son-in-law, William G. Davis, of Sugar Land, Texas; and her eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren, all of whom she loved and touched deeply. She is also survived by her dear sister, Evelyn Varner, of Cameron, WV; sister-in-laws, Haidee Toothman, of Rivesville, WV, and JoAnn Eddy of Marlinton, WV; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, September 5, 2020, at the Lucey Cabin in Glen Easton, West Virginia. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com