Norma Jean Mahaffey Obituary (1930 - 2024)

Norma Jean Mahaffey, 93, passed away peacefully in the presence of family early in the morning on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Memory Lane Homes in Baker City, Oregon. Born on December 22, 1930, in Salmon, Idaho, Norma was the second of two children born to Roy Edward and Karletta (Schaffner) Richardson. Norma grew up in the Lemhi River Valley, 17 miles southeast of Salmon, Idaho, where her parents owned a small grocery store and gas station. Her parents prematurely passed away when Norma was just 10 years old. She and her older brother, Clarence Roy Richardson, were lovingly raised by their foster parents, Herbert Hayes Godfrey and Vivian(Barrett) Withington, alongside their foster brother, Herbert L. Godfrey Jr. Norma and her brothers began their education at the Sandy Creek Schoolhouse. One of her fondest childhood memories was her close bond with a neighbor’s horse, Star, whom she fondly called her best friend. Norma spent countless hours with Star, who even doubled as a school bus, carrying up to five children to and from the Sandy Creek School. This special relationship sparked Norma’s deep love of horses, a passion that remained with her throughout her life. After grade school, Norma attended Leadore High School in Leadore, Idaho, graduating in 1948. She continued her education at the University of Idaho – Southern Branch in Pocatello, Idaho, earning a Secretarial Certificate in 1949. On June 10, 1949, Norma married Stephen Mahaffey III of Tendoy, Idaho. Together, they began their life on the Mahaffey Ranch, where Norma joined Stephen and his family in running their family business, Mahaffey Livestock, Inc. On the ranch, they raised their three sons: Stephen A. Mahaffey IV, Michael Kim Mahaffey, and Riley Jay Mahaffey. Life on the ranch was filled with hard work, treasured family moments, and many days spent riding and bonding with her beloved horses. In 1960, Norma and Stephen purchased a picturesque lakefront property on Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana. This special place became a retreat where they spent countless summers with family and friends, enjoying waterskiing, swimming, and fishing. The lakefront home became a cornerstone of joy and togetherness, embodying the warmth and love that defined Norma’s life. After the Mahaffey Ranch was sold in 1977, Stephen and Norma relocated to Salmon, Idaho. There, Norma began a new chapter of her life, working at The First Security Bank, where she dedicated over a decade of service. Norma was deeply committed to her community and faith. She was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer in Salmon, Idaho, and later joined the Polson Community Church during her years at Flathead Lake. She also proudly served as Grand Martha in 1986 as a member of the Hugh Duncan Chapter #2, Order of the Eastern Star of Idaho. Her faith and community service were a testament to her compassionate spirit and dedication to helping others. In 1987 Norma relocated to Lovelock, Nevada where her husband gained employment as a Purchasing Agent with Silver Mine. There she was employed as a secretary for the Morrison Knudsen Construction Company for 5 years before the couple retired and traveled the West in an RV for 7 years. During their RV travels, Norma and her husband embraced the opportunity to explore several meaningful places while staying connected with loved ones. They often visited Troy and Libby, Montana, to spend time with Norma’s brother Roy and his family. Their journeys also took them to Los Angeles, California, where their youngest son, Riley, lived for a time; Baker City, Oregon, the home of their middle son, Kim; and Tucson, Arizona, where their eldest son, Stephen IV, resided for a period. Summers were always dedicated to their treasured property and cabin at Flathead Lake, Montana. In the fall and winter of 1999, the family built a beautiful cedar log home on the property, marking the end of Stephen and Norma’s RV travels as they settled permanently at the lake in Polson, Montana. Their RV adventures and summers at the lake allowed Norma to nurture family connections and create meaningful memories that spanned both miles and generations. Norma’s husband, Steve, passed away in Polson, Montana, in 2014. Following his passing, Norma continued to live at the home on Flathead Lake until 2018 when a fall and subsequent injury necessitated her being in her family’s care. She was moved to Baker City, Oregon, to live with her son, Kim, and his wife, Janie. To further her care, in 2022, Norma transitioned to Memory Lane Homes in Baker City. She quickly formed meaningful friendships and became a beloved and active member of the Memory Lane Homes community. Her family remained a constant presence in her life, visiting her daily and ensuring she was surrounded by love and connection. Norma is survived by her son, Dr. Michael Kim (Janie) Mahaffey, of Baker City, Oregon; son, Riley Jay (Stephanie) Mahaffey of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Stephen (Avery) Mahaffey V of Post Falls, Idaho, Tara (Eric) Hollenbeck of Post Falls, Idaho, Kayla (Erica) Mahaffey of Sanford, Arizona, Sean Mahaffey of Mataram, Indonesia, Johnny (Courtney) Brose of Newberg, Oregon, Vernon (Ashley) Brose of Forest Grove, Oregon, Bryce (Roxanne) Brose of Houston, Texas; great-grandchildren, Gabe and Riley Mahaffey of Post Falls, Idaho, Annlee Brose of Forest Grove, Oregon, Bernard Brose of Newberg, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Mahaffey III; son, Stephen A. Mahaffey IV; parents, Roy Edward and Karletta (Schaffner) Richardson; adoptive parents, Herbert Hayes Godfrey and Vivian (Barrett) Withington; brother, Clarence Roy Richardson; adoptive brother, Herbert L. Godfrey Jr. -- A private family memorial service for Norma will be held in Salmon, Idaho, at a date to be determined. In honor of Norma’s memory, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association, reflecting Norma's lifelong love of horses and riding. This non-profit organization has been enhancing the quality of life in Lemhi and Custer Counties, Idaho, for over 30 years by using horses in equine-assisted therapies and activities to benefit children and adults. To commemorate Norma, Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association will place a memorial plaque inside their arena in Salmon, Idaho. Contributions can be made online through Whitewater Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Association’s website at www.whitewatertherapeutic.com or by check mailed to: Whitewater Therapeutic Riding 516 Main #172 Salmon, ID 83467 Your contributions to this meaningful cause would deeply honor Norma’s legacy, and she would have been profoundly touched by your support of this organization’s mission. -- Her family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Memory Lane Homes in Baker City for their compassionate care and friendships during her final years and days. Norma Jean Mahaffey lived her life with so much love and compassion, embracing everything and everyone exactly as they are. It’s a beautiful way of living and one we can all strive for – no matter what life throws our way. Norma will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those who loved her.