Sheila May Schaper
July 10, 1938 – July 12, 2026
Sheila May Schaper, 88, of Riverton, Wyoming, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
A graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton, Wyoming, 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Music, which was such an important part of Sheila’s life, will be a special part of the service.
Sheila was born on July 10, 1938, at the Lander Hospital in Lander, Wyoming, the daughter of Henry Allen Schaper and Ila May (Gould) Schaper.
She was raised on a dairy farm near Ocean Lake and graduated from Riverton High School with the class of 1956, where she was active in choir. She later earned her bachelor’s degree in music in Nampa, Idaho with Northwest Nazarene College. During her school years, she sang solos and was a member of both the Treble Choir and the prestigious Crusader Choir. She also belonged to LSPP, an elite organization similar to a sorority.
Music was the defining passion of Sheila’s life. She devoted most of her career to teaching music, beginning at Mill Creek Indian School, where she established the school’s music program during her two years there. She later taught fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in Riverton, Wyoming, continuing to share her love of music with generations of children.
A woman of the Baptist faith, Sheila was actively involved in church music throughout her life. She was an accomplished pianist, sang solos at the Nazarene Church, and later at the Church of God in Riverton, where she also served as the organist. She believed music was a gift to be shared and faithfully used her talents in worship and ministry.
Sheila found great joy in serving others. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels, Abba’s House, the local homeless shelter, and the Manor, which she affectionately referred to as her “recreational therapy place.” She also enjoyed gathering with the Young People’s Society for weekly luncheons, ice skating, traveling with her mother, and spending time socializing with friends. Sheila often remarked that she had a wonderful life and had a great deal of fun throughout the years.
Her beloved poodles were her constant companions and brought her tremendous happiness. She lovingly referred to them as her children. They included Fifi, Benji Boy, Mimi, Mercy, and Mifi.
She is survived by her sisters, Sandy Umschied of Riverton, Wyoming, and Hedy Arnold and her husband, Ransom, of Riverton, Wyoming; Niece, Kirsten Arnold; and nephews, Allen Arnold and George James; as well as numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Allen Schaper and Ila May (Gould) Schaper; her brother, Henry Schaper; and her sisters, Sharon James and Nancy Burns.
Memorials may be made to Boys Town of Omaha, Nebraska, in care of Davis Funeral Home, 2203 West Main Street, Riverton, WY 82501.
Online condolences for Sheila’s family may be made at www.TheDavisFuneralHome.com
Services are under the direction of Davis Funeral Home, Crematory, and Monuments of Riverton, Wyoming.