Mary Ellen Oaks Shaffer, 86, of Delphi, died Sunday-Apr 7, 2013, at 5:02pm, at IU Health Arnett Hospital-Lafayette. She had been in failing health, and a patient there since Friday. She was born June 11, 1926 in Carroll County, to the late Horace & Elnora Ward Oaks. Her marriage was to James E. "Jimmy" Shaffer in Delphi, on June 16, 1946, and he survives. She was a 1944 graduate of Delphi High School, and received her certificate in gold and silver smithing. Prior to her marriage, she worked for the phone company in Delphi, as a telephone operator. Then she and her husband owned and operated with their sons, Shaffer's Marathon in Delphi for 53 years. Mary Ellen was the vice president of the corporation, and bookkeeper for their business. She and her husband also had J&M Gem's, their jewelry making business. She was a longtime and devoted member of the Delphi United Methodist Church, where she played in the bell choir. She was involved with home ec, and helped young girls in 4-H with their sewing and baking projects. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, and was an auxiliary member of the Gideon's. She and her husband and children, enjoyed traveling and camping. Mary Ellen was a devoted wife and mother, who loved her husband and 3 children dearly. She enjoyed being at family gatherings, being with her grand- and great-grandchildren. Her family was everything to her. Surviving: husband James E. "Jimmy" Shaffer of Delphi; son Garry D. Shaffer of Delphi; son Greg J. Shaffer, his girlfriend Claire Miller of Lafayette; daughter Diana L. Pownell of Rossville; brothers: Larry & Carol Oaks of Edna Mills, and Floyd & Joan Oaks of Lafayette; sisters: Ruth Ann & Leroy Pearson of Delphi, and Freda & Walter Wilson of OR. 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by a brother Roy; daughter-in-law Thelma "Tim" Shaffer.

Services: Friends may call Wednesday from 5-8pm at Abbott Funeral Home-Delphi. Funeral service Thursday 11am, at the Delphi United Methodist Church, where she will lie in state 1 hour prior to her service, Rev. Todd Ladd officiating. Burial at Masonic Cemetery-Delphi. Memorial contributions to the Gideon's, envelopes available at the funeral home & church. Online condolences: abbottfuneralhome@frontier.com