Nadine (Dini) Louise (Tuffli) Scharf passed away peacefully at St. Peters Hospital on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in Helena after a long two years of health issues. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Dini was born March 16,1963 to John and Elizabeth Tuffli in Battle Creek, Michigan. Dini was the youngest of seven children, three boys and four girls. Growing up, she was every bit the “baby” of the family, getting her way with most things. The”Tuffli Tribe” enjoyed a happy upbringing in a close-knit family. As the three youngest kids, Elaine, Gary and Dini especially enjoyed a very close relationship; where you saw one, you saw the other two.
The Tuffli family settled down in East Helena in 1971 after John retired from the Air Force. Prior to that, they lived in Michigan, Massachusetts and Japan. Dini attended most of her schooling in East Helena and Helena, graduating from Helena High School in 1981.
Dini was an employee of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Walmart, Rock Hand Hardware and for the last 10 years at Safeway in Helena where she had made many friends over the years.
Her interests included cooking, camping, helping out with the grandkids, hanging with her friends at the Gold Bar or Laib-ation Station, helping out with various fundraisers in town and reading while taking a bath. Her morning baths when everyone else was asleep was her “me” time.
Dini will be remembered by her outgoing personality and her unique wit, feistiness and wonderful sense of humor. She was always laughing! Her little giggle was infectious along with her big smile and twinkle in her eye. Her generosity and caring heart cannot be matched. Dini lived a full life from beginning to end and touched the lives of many people along the way.
Dini was married twice and had three children from the first marriage: Kayla Thronson, Kelsey Johnson and Kevin Redmond. In 2002, she met her current husband of 22 years, Eric Scharf. He also had three kids: Jack Scharf, David Scharf and Erica Scharf. With his three kids and her three kids, they had their own “Brady Bunch” with three girls and three boys.
Nothing was more important to Dini than her children and her grandchildren. All of the kids and big kids loved their Grandma Dini/Mama Dini. Almost every Saturday since she was 4 months old, Dini and Eric would pick up their Grandkid, Bayleigh and spend time at the park or at their house. Dini loved her “Bayleigh Days”, as she called them.
The family takes consolation knowing Dini is finally at peace, joining her mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Tuffli, her brother, Gary John Tuffli and an infant brother, Norman Gregory Tuffli, her maternal and paternal grandparents and Eric’s parents.
Dini is survived by her husband Eric Scharf, her children Kayla Thronson (Paul), Kelsey Johnson (Cam), Kevin Redmond (Logan), Jack Scharf, David Scharf (Anita) and Erica Scharf, her father John Tuffli, her siblings Robert Tuffli (Berneice), Carol Fox (Bill Torgerson), Linda Herrington (Dean), and Elaine Tuffli and numerous nieces and nephews. Also her many grandchildren, who were her world.
We will all deeply miss Dini and the world will not be the same without her smile, her laugh and her huge heart. She was one of a kind!
The family will receive friends and family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 6th at 11 AM at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. There will also be a reception at the Laib-ation Station with food and drinks after the service. All are welcome to share a story, to laugh, to cry as we remember her life. Cremation has taken place. She was a huge Raiders fan so wear your football gear, if you have any!
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 6, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Saturday December 6, 2025
Laib-ation Station
410 Lincoln Road W
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 6, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke and Retz Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Celebration of Her Life
Saturday December 6, 2025
Laib-ation Station
410 Lincoln Road W
Helena, Montana 59602
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Anna says
Dini, my friend and confident, from elementary school through high school,, we had a very special bond – Best friends for life we always said. We lost touch after I moved from Montana. I’ll never forget all the moments we spent with all those friends we had during those times laughing uncontrollably (i’m fairly certain they know who they are 🙂 … we had non stop fun when we were teenagers … then we had to grow up… Mr. Tuffli and Dini’s siblings, , I’m so sorry for your loss.. RIP my friend.
Kathie Arlint says
To all the Tuffli family my deepest sympathies. Dini will be missed.
Sara Graveley says
How do you put into words someone that was always an a ray of sunshine wherever she went? She had the best sense of humor and always laughed at my stupid jokes. We have so many memories to look back on and I will keep them close to my heart.. you were loved “ Miss Truffle” ( a name Kyle gave you and Elaine.) and you’ll be missed forever. I can’t believe you left so soon. Sending love and strength to your family .
Stan Morrison says
We all had some great times back in the day. I’ll always remember that incredible laugh! You will be missed Dini even though it’s been years.
My sincere condolences to all of Dini’s family. She was one of kind.
Leslie Harrison says
Dini was a beautiful soul. She felt things deeply and her kind words always touched me. RIP sweet friend💔❤️
Nikki Cory says
I am shocked at the loss of Dini. She was an absolute joy to work with and be around. Always had a smile and a giggle. My heart breaks for her family. RIP.
Kelli Thorbergson Kaufman says
Tuffli family,
I am so very sorry to hear about Dini. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kelli Thorberson Kaufman
Stacy Morrison says
You were such a big part of my life when we were young. Thank you for the wonderful memories, the laughter, the tears, the love. You left us way too early and it still doesn’t seem real. You were such a beautiful person inside and out. I will miss you and think about you often.
Don Bartsch says
From High School when we met until the last time I ran into you every time it put a smile on my face. Dini was such a laughing personality. You are already missed my friend.
Valarie Manolovits says
Prayers for the toughly family. So sorry to hear.
Sandi Carsen says
Dini, I will miss your wonderful laugh and your sweet big smile. You will be greatly missed.
Beth says
One of my very favorite people. Love Shack Baby Love Shack.
Curt Black says
Elaine, so sorry to hear about Dini. You and your family are in my prayers.
Robin Ross says
Dini was beautiful inside and out. It touched my heart that she would take time to see me whenever I returned to Helena for a visit. My sincerest condolences to her family. RIP Sweet Dini 💗