Nancy A. Shaffer

Nancy Ann Whitacre Shaffer, age 80 passed away July 15, 2023 at her home in Spring Hill, Fl. She was born June 4, 1943 to the late Stanley and Zelda (Bordner) Whitacre. Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Richard (Dick) Whitacres; sister in laws, Joan Whitacre and Janet Whitacre; niece, Jan Lee Bibee; nephew, Theodore (Teddy) Whitacre and long time partner Marna Dale Smith.

Nancy is survive by her spouse, Melissa Hastings; brother, James (Vicki) Whitacre; nieces, Cheryl (Jim) Tavan and Stacey Whitacre; nephews, William (Joan) Whitacre; Scott (Donna) Whitacre and Jamie (Melanie) Whitacre.

Ms. Shaffer was a 1965 graduate from Malone University in Canton, Ohio with a Bachelorts degree in Music Education with an emphasis on Tuba. In 1980 she earned a Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Dayton University. While in high school Ms. Shaffer became proficient in tuba performance. This resulted in an invitation to join the School Band of America. In 1963 he taveled through 7 European countries performing with the band. She later performed with them again in 1968 at the Worlds Fair in Montreal, Canada. In 1965 she was employed by the Martins Ferry School System as their first female instrumental music instructor and Junior High and Assistant high school Band Director. For 35 years she shared her love and knowledge of music with the children of the school district and prepared them for participation in the high school marching and concert bands. She was also the Music Administrator for the school district and the first director of the High School Alumni Marching Band.

Professionally Ms. Shaffer performed in the Canton, Ohio symphony from 1966 to 1968. For 25 years (1967 through 1993) she performed in the Wheeling, WV symphony. Ms. Shaffer was the first female principal tuba performer in both orchestras. She also performed in many summer seasonal concerts in the Wheeling area. In addition she wa a member of several professional music organization.

Upon her retirement she became a member and participant in both the Wheeling Park and Oglebay Park Women’s Golf leagues and the St Clair Lane’s Bowling Leagues. She continued her musical performances volunteering with the Cambridge City Band and later the Hernando Symphony in Florida. Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, she participated in the first All Women’s Build of a home in the Triadelphia, WV area.

Throughout her life Ms. Shaffer shared her appreciation and love of music with everyone. Her legacy as an example of what women can accomplish when given the opportunity, led to many young women joining her as band directors in school districts throughout the Ohio Valley.

A memorial service will be held on August 5 at noon at the United Church of Christ 4244 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, Florida. A live stream of the service can be joined via Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8039587568 Meeting ID: 803 958 7568

Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

Charitable donations may be made in Ms. Shaffer’s memory to the animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice