Melanie (“Lanie”) Caryl Buchholz Shaffner of Salida, CO was born October 31, 1940 in Lyons, NY and passed away September 10, 2024 at the UCHealth Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO.

Melanie’s beloved parents, Lester L. and Myrtle N. Buchholz, preceded her in death.

She is survived by Phil, her husband of 63 years, her son, Andy, her brother John A. Buchholz, her sister Christine E. Buck, her brother-in-law John H. Buck, her  nephews Larry (Rebecca), John (Denise), Mark (Alyce) and Steven (Mary Beth) Buchholz and their combined 10 children.

Following her graduation with honors from Lyons High School in 1958, Melanie trained as an executive secretary and was employed by The Academy of Aeronautics (New York City), Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY), General Electric Corp (Syracuse, NY) and several other firms.  At mid-life she moved to further her education and was awarded, a BS degree from the Regents University of the State of New York, majoring in psychology and gerontology.  Throughout her life she had a special love for older persons and was employed by Action for Older Persons, was director of senior ministries in an Endicott, NY church and was the director of two rural senior citizen centers.

She was particularly fond of gardening, daffodils being her favorite flower.  She loved hats and collected a wide variety.  Lanie loved music and played the viola in high school orchestra.  She also played the guitar and especially the organ.  She loved making music with her brother and father.

A celebration of Lanie’s life will be held on Sunday, October 27, at the A-Church located at 4th and D Streets, Salida, CO, 4 to 7 pm. Live music by David Tipton on the Chapman stick. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Ark Valley Humane Society (www.Ark-Valley.org/donate/).