Samantha Wing Schaff

The always beautiful, kind and vivacious Samantha Sue (Wing) Schaff, 27, died in a car accident on the morning of Jan. 24, 2011. At the time of the accident Schaff was driving from her Lakeside home, which she shared with her husband of seven years Nathan, to Salon Envy where she worked as a cosmetologist with her mother Sue, sister Holly, uncle Bud, cousin Crystal and others. Schaff, a 2004 graduate of Creveir's School of Cosmetology School in Kalispell, enjoyed her work and most of all her extensive list of repeat clients many, of whom she had known since getting her license and doing hair and nails at Studio 93. She will be remembered by them not only for her tremendous skill, but her alluring personality as well. Although often seen to those who didn't know her well as quiet and almost shy, Schaff was layered and full of surprises that her closest friends enjoyed discovering. No secret to even a stranger though was her bright smile and contagious laugh that she was never afraid to share with the world. It is her kindness and her care for people and animals that she will be remembered for most. A gentle soul, always willing to help anyone in need, Schaff was a rare beauty both inside and out. That will make her impossible to replace or ever forget to those whose lives she touched, and there were many. Schaff was born in Polson on Dec. 3, 1983, to Sue and her father Ed and baptized at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was the younger sister to a brother, Jake, and two years later received a little sister, Holly, who became a lifelong companion and friend to her. Schaff's laid-back attitude and sincere friendship made her well liked in school. There was no question why so many people gravitated toward her or why her circle of friends was ever-growing. She graduated from Polson High School in 2002 and took on a job working in the sales office at Bear Harbor Condominiums. The following summer she married the love of her life, Nathan, in a serene outdoor wedding surrounded by family and friends. From that day forward, the two were inseparable and enjoyed many adventures together. The newlyweds toggled between living in Polson and Columbia Falls and eventually spent nearly a year in Bozeman as well while Nathan completed his college degree. While living in Bozeman, Schaff worked at Genesis Salon. The couple returned to the Flathead Valley in the summer of 2009 and just a few months ago moved to Lakeside. Her clients kept her busy at the salon in Polson, where she always greeted them with her endearing smile, caring blue eyes, flowing blonde hair and a well-put-together outfit that was nearly always finished off with a pair of high heels no matter how bad they hurt her feet. While Schaff enjoyed her work, she had many other passions as well ' most notably animals. If she had it her way, she probably would have saved every stray cat in the state, but she was happy to give her love to her two kitties she raised with Nathan. Schaff also enjoyed cooking, running, hiking, playing on Flathead Lake, and listening to music really loud while no one was around. She also loved to try new things and had been known to do anything from knit to rock climb in her free time. Although she had no children of her own, kids gravitated to her everywhere she went and looked up to her. She was never unwilling to include them in her life and looked forward to sharing her knowledge with them. With the rest of her time Schaff was a faithful friend, sister, wife and daughter, who was always there to listen, laugh with and provide a unique and insightful perspective on our world. She believed that everything happens for a reason and that everyone deserves to be happy. Schaff is survived and deeply missed by her husband, mother, father, sister, brother, family in-law, maternal and paternal grandparents, several aunts, uncles and cousins and a countless number of friends. Services for Schaff will be held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson. There will be a candlelight vigil and rosary at 7 p.m. Friday and a funeral at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with a reception and luncheon to follow. In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to one of Schaff's favorite non-profit causes ' the cat room at the Mission Valley Animal Shelter or Lake County Life Savers. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family. Visit www.groganfuneralhome.com to view Schaff's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.
Read Samantha Schaff's Obituary and Guestbook.