Edeltrud “Ellen” Josefine (Schmitt) Shaffer Polk, 92, of Chambersburg, PA passed away Friday, November 15, 2024 in Providence Place. Born May 22, 1932 in Frankfurt, Germany she was the daughter of the late Karl Robert and Berta (Kramer) Schmitt.
She was an only child but a childhood that was short lived due to the outbreak of World War II. Her dad, whom she said always wanted a boy, and because she was a "tom-boy" nicknamed her Hans. He was a casualty of the war, giving up his life on the Russian front. Edeltrud immigrated to the United States in 1948 shortly after the war had ended and started a new life in Chambersburg. She held many jobs throughout her lifetime; the last one was at Letterkenny Army Depot. She had a few interests and hobbies, such as crocheting but she seemed more content just to sit back and observe. She was a member of the Carousel Club and the VFW Post 1599 Auxiliary. Edeltrud always acted like a tough guy but when it came right down to it, she wouldn't hurt a fly. The image her children will remember fondly is their mom sitting in the background away from the crowd with one knee crossed over the other, a cigarette in her left hand and cup of coffee in her right hand.
Edeltrud is survived by her five children, son, Ken Shaffer, Jr. and wife Susan of Middletown, PA, son Karl Shaffer and wife Judy of Chambersburg, PA, son Bob Shaffer and wife Kathy of Clovis CA, daughter Carol Brubaker and husband Cliff of Chambersburg, PA, and daughter Barb Hockenberry and husband Gary of Newburg, PA. She is also Oma to 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Kenneth Frederick Shaffer, Sr. and second husband, David Polk.
Graveside service will be held 1:00 PM, Wednesday, November 20, 2024 in Norland Cemetery, 2295 Philadelphia Ave, Chambersburg, PA 17201 with Pastor Bobby Culler officiating. Arrangements are by Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter, 5051 Letterkenny Road W., Chambersburg, PA 17201.
Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.
