Buffy Sue Shear

Buffy Sue McEvoy Shear, 40, of Polson, left this world for her Heavenly home on Monday, October 9, 2023.

Buffy was born March 27, 1983, in Polson, to Mary Sue and Bruce McEvoy.  Buffy joined her older brother (Tyson) and sister (Holly) to complete their family.  As a small girl, Buffy was convinced she was a child of the stars and spent many an evening gazing at the stars, wondering when she would see the rest of her star family.  While we couldn’t see what she could see, we always knew that she was the brightest star in OUR universe.

Buffy was born with a vivid imagination, which she made obvious as soon as she could talk.  From making up her own songs; to telling stories; to performing daily shows on the stage in her mind, whether or not she had an audience.  No one could tell a story or come up with the most perfect response to any situation the way Buffy could.  Buffy would want it known that the three McEvoy children are all very funny, but she was the funniest.  Buffy’s laugh made everyone else laugh, and filled every room she was in with so much joy.  Buffy was the Main Attraction in the 3-ring circus of her life. 

Buffy’s first real adventure was becoming a mother.  Buffy and David Almon welcomed their daughter Jayden Almon “Sunflower” in 2000.  Jayden was born shining with Buffy’s sparkle.  Buffy and Jayden grew up together, and Jayden was a huge part of Buffy’s search for her “zing”.  In 2011, Buffy met the man that completed her family, Dale Shear.  Dale and Buffy married later that year, in front of their close family.  Buffy and Dale welcomed their spitfire daughter Lucy “Goose” in 2012 and their sassy daughter Valentine “Tiners” in 2014.  Buffy and Dale shared a love of hard work and dedication, working to improve their community in their respective careers.

Buffy began her love affair with coffee as a little girl, when she would steal sips of her Grampa’s sweetened coffee.  Buffy began working in the coffee world while working at Polson’s Wheat Montana.  She quickly realized she made a mean cup of coffee and followed that love through Starbucks, Mocha Medicine (in Plains), Green Bean Espresso and on to her own legacy, Chipper Chick Coffee Company.   Chipper Chick was a family affair from the beginning, with Buffy quickly training Dale and Jayden as the first Chipper Chuck and Chipper Chickee.  Buffy not only poured coffee at her shop, but she also poured love into every cup, filling the Polson community with her light.

Buffy was not just a small business owner; she wore many hats in this community.  Buffy was a safe haven for all strays, humans, and animals.  Buffy took in and loved so many people and animals, except horses, who she loathed.  In 2020, Buffy added another hat to her collection, when she joined the team at The Lake Funeral Home.  Buffy loved telling people she was a “Last Responder”.  Buffy felt called to be there for grieving families, always letting them know someone cared.  This year Buffy started volunteering at the Polson Flathead Lake Museum.  She loved learning about the past and talked about herself being an exhibit and “Small Town Famous” like everything else in the museum.  In 2021, Buffy felt a need in her community and created a Free Clothing Store; where she collected, sorted, and offered clothing, personal supplies, and food to anyone in need; free of charge.  In the last several years, Buffy volunteered numerous hours to her church’s Outreach Program (New Life Church), taking so much joy from the events.

From the time Buffy was old enough to talk, she lived a life of service.  Buffy was an amazingly caring and supportive daughter, sister, mother, friend, and boss.  Nothing made Buffy happier or feel more fulfilled than helping someone.  Buffy’s love of helping others was reflected in her Best of Polson wins for Best Coffee Shop, Best Barista, and Most Interesting Person (twice).  Buffy was in total disbelief at her wins, thinking she was nothing special, but we all knew the truth.  She was all of these wins and more. 

Buffy is survived by her husband, Dale Shear of Polson; her three daughters Jayden Almon, Lucy Shear and Valentine Shear of Polson; adopted daughter Julian Eagle Road of Polson; mother Mary Sue McEvoy of Polson; sister Holly Gundelfinger (Clint) of Juneau, Alaska; brother Tyson McEvoy (Kayla) of Dillon, Montana; and her nephews and nieces: Kingston Gundelfinger, Zhoey McEvoy, Everly Gundelfinger, and Legend McEvoy; her grandmother Violet Kimmel of Polson; life-long friend and co-parent David Almon of Ottawa, Kansas; best friend Erin Leonard of Ronan, Montana; and a host of loving family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Buffy at the New Life Church in Polson at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023.  A potluck will be held following the celebration.

Live stream link will be available Saturday, October 14th.