Florence May Schafer, 92, of Allegan, diedSaturday, July 9, at her home.
Born Feb. 7, 1930, in Kalamazoo, she was the daughter of the late Alvis and Ann (Nowakowski) Kremer. She married Gerald Schafer on Aug. 31, 1956, and together they raised two sons and worked together caring for the cows on their 200-acre farm. Off the farm, Florence dedicated over 30 years to MOKA where she lovingly cared for countless individuals with mental disabilities.
In her spare time, she loved to travel the world and went on many trips. Her favorites were kissing the Blarney Stone and going to Hawaii (which was the only time that Gerald traveled with her and it was for their 25th anniversary.) Florence was also a wonderful baker and especially enjoyed making cakes for her children, grandchildren and great-grandsons. She was well known for her wedding cakes and made many over the years.
Florence also sewed many items and loved to can. One of her favorite past times was watching her children play sports and then her granddaughters and, later, great-grandsons. Florence collected knick-knacks and cow figurines were her favorite. Trips to the gazebo and music barn, Sunday drives to dinner and visiting family and friends alongside Gerald brought her great joy.
Besides her husband of 65 years, Florence is survived by her sons, Ron (Kim) Schafer and Mark Schafer (Kerry Briggs); grandchildren, Tamarind (Brian) Truax, Tara Schafer (fiancé Chris Verda), Ashlyn Schafer and Allyson Schafer; great-grandchildren, Ryan Truax and Parker Truax; Jackie Horrock and Tom Carlton, whom she raised as her own; and her nephew, Jimmy Little.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her parents-in-law, Herman and Ila Schafer; her sister, Helen Little; and many cousins.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 13, at which time a funeral will begin. Burial will follow in Poplar Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Wings Home, 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010.