Dorothy Shaffer

Dorothy Shaffer passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 77. Dorothy was born in Paducah, Kentucky, on September 16, 1948, to the late Chester and Pearl Durbin Vinson.  She will be remembered as a tremendous wife, mother, grandmother, sister, neighbor, and friend.

For over five decades, Dorothy built a reputation as a skilled beautician, touching the lives of countless individuals through her work. Her passion for her craft led her to open her own salon, Dot's Hair Fashions, which became a staple in the community. Dorothy's salon was more than a place of business; it was a place where friendships were woven and laughter abounded, with every customer leaving feeling more beautiful and valued.

Dorothy's greatest joy was her family, to whom she was deeply devoted. Married for over 57 years to her beloved husband, Gary, Dorothy's commitment to her marriage was a testament to her unwavering love and fidelity. Dorothy loved her time with Gary at their house on the lake, where they spent many hours riding in their golf cart or touring around the lake on their pontoon.  Dorothy loved to end the day, after a long car ride, with an ice cream cone from Bob’s.  Together, they created a home filled with warmth and laughter.
 
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Gary Shaffer; one daughter, Ginny Shaffer of Springfield, Tennessee; two sons, Gary Shaffer II of Paducah, Kentucky and Jeffrey Shaffer of Frankfort, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Colleen Shaffer and Addison Shaffer, both of Frankfort, Kentucky; three brothers, David Vinson, Danny Vinson, and Donald Vinson; and several nieces and nephews. 
 
Besides her parents, Dorothy was preceded in death by two sisters, Deanna Bealmear and Donna Vinson.
 
A funeral service will be held at 1 P.M. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Bob Martin officiating.  Burial will follow at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. 
 
Visitation will be from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.  
 
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to Norton’s Children’s Hospital, 231 E. Chestnut St, Louisville, KY 40202, or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, 550 S. First Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202. 
 
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.