Stacey Lynn Sheffer

She was born January 24th, 1967, in Wellington, KS, to Terry and Phyllis (Gatton) Sheffer. Stacey and her family moved to Longmont when she was a young girl. She grew up in Longmont and attended Northridge and Mountain View Elementary schools, Longs Peak Junior High and graduated from Longmont High School in 1986. While in high school, she was the team manager for both the girls’ volleyball and basketball teams and sang in the choir. She also attended Front Range Community College in Longmont.

At an early age, it was discovered that Stacey was visually impaired. Despite her visual challenges, and with her invincible spirit, Stacey loved skiing and participated in the Ski Program for the Blind at Winter Park Ski Resort for many years. She also attended Lions Club summer camp for the blind and participated in their golf program. Stacey worked for Sears, Colorful Images and The Bank of Boulder until her health prevented her from continuing to work.

In 1996, due to generous sponsors, Stacey was selected by Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, California to receive her beloved Golden Retriever, “Nampa”. She and Nampa went through an intensive month-long training course before returning together to Longmont.

It’s hard to put into words the passion Stacey had for all sports. Her number one team was the University of Kansas Men’s Basketball Team. “Rock Chalk Jayhawk”, she would cheer when they were playing on TV. She also loved listening to the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Oregon Ducks. Stacey could spout off the statistics and schedules for almost any sport along with many details about their team and/or the players. She also loved, and was highly competitive, when participating in Fantasy Football. At times not sharing her “expertise” with others in her league. We often asked for her savvy input when filling out our March Madness brackets and shared the pot when we won.

In addition to being visually impaired, Stacey faced numerous health challenges including four scoliosis surgeries and a kidney transplant. Her transplant team recently acknowledged that hers was one of the longest functioning transplanted kidneys they were aware of. Ultimately, the organ that extended her life would be the one that would take her. She approached her health challenges with grace and bravery, always with a smile on her face. Many doctors would tell her that she was their champion.

Our family would like to thank all the numerous doctors, nurses and caregivers that helped Stacey along the way. Especially her devoted caregiver and friend, Helen Trujillo, who helped her live independently for many years. Dr. Chris Edmundson for being both her friend and physical therapist. A special thanks to the hard-working nurses, CNAs, and drivers at Accel Skilled Nursing Facility who cared for her the past 9 months. In addition, we would like to thank TRU Community Care Hospice for their guidance and support through this difficult time.

Stacey is survived by her father, Terry; and sisters, Debby (Dennis) Precht, Stephanie (Doug) Hanna, all of Longmont; Nieces Dr. Lindsey (Cody) Humphrey, Madison Precht, Ashley Hanna and Brooke Hanna; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as her treasured friends Helen Trujillo and Dr. Chris Edmundson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Sheffer.

A remembrance of her life will be held at 10:00am, July 19th, 2024, at Howe Mortuary in Longmont, CO.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to TRU Community Care Hospice or Guide Dogs for the Blind in San Rafael, CA in c/o Howe Mortuary.

Burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following the service and luncheon.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Sheffer family.