Bernadine Schaff Blacketer

Bernadine Schaff Blacketer, 85, died Friday, January 24, 2025, at Hot Springs Health. Bernadine (Bernie) was born September 27, 1939, in Mineral Springs N.D. on the Schaff family homestead to Victor and Matilda (Daum) Schaff.

She was the oldest of three girls. In 1946 they moved to Thermopolis and she started the 3rd grade at the Hill School, graduating in 1957 from Hot Springs County High School. Bernadine worked at the Thermopolis laundry and at Gottsche when it was first built. She married Bob Blacketer in 1959 after he had returned from the Navy.

They moved to northern Idaho in 1960 where Bob worked in mining district. Four children were born and raised there: Kimberly (Todd) Johnston, Victor (Connie) Blacketer, Deone (John) Minor and Kyle Blacketer.

On Bob's retirement, they moved back to Thermopolis where she continued her vocation as a teacher's aide in Special Ed. Bernadine worked as a Special Ed aide for 31 years. Her interest included reading, crafts, furniture refurbishing, hiking and cross county skiing, decorating and puttering.

She was a devout member of St. Francis Catholic Church, fulfilling various ministries in the parish.

Bernadine was preceded in death by her husband; son, Kyle; sister, Peggy; brother-in-law, Lee Martinez; and parents.

She is survived by sister, Carol (Lee) Martinez of Kaycee; many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law; and also 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A Rosary Vigil will be held on Friday, Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church with a funeral mass on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 12:30 p.m. A funeral dinner will be offered following the mass at the parish hall across the street from the church.

Cremation has taken place with a family memorial planned at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Senior Center or St. Francis Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice.