Gertrude Schafer

Gertrude Irene (Perkins) Schafer, 95, of McPherson, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 9, 2013, at her home in McPherson. She had worked at Raleigh's Drug Store for 14 ½ years and at Reggies Decorating Center for 17 years as a bookkeeper, retiring in April 1980.

She was born on October 11, 1917, at Little River, Kansas, the daughter of Dorph R. and Bertha E. (Harder) Perkins. She attended Little River schools, graduating from high school in 1935. She moved to McPherson in 1936.

Gertrude was united in marriage to Lawrence M. Schafer on October 2, 1937, in Little River, Kansas. He preceded her in death on April 22, 1999.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, McPherson, joining by confession of faith in 1939. She was a longtime member of Mary Martha Circle. She was a life member and a past president of Harry B. Dorst Unit #24, McPherson American Legion Auxiliary. She also volunteered at Save 'N Share for several years.

Survivors include: two daughters, Carolyn Dean and husband, Sam, of Martinsburg, PA and Jalayn Stieben and husband, Terry, of McPherson, KS; eight grandchildren, Margaret & Pete Pontzer, John & Jen Dean, Sara & Ned Gannon, Carie & Shane Paulus, Jenny & Ryan Kejr, Chris Stieben, Blade Stieben, and Jaymie Stieben; 14 great-grandchildren; and nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a brother, John D. Perkins.

The funeral service will be at 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 12, 2013, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until service time, Saturday, at the First United Methodist Church. Graveside service will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 14, at the McPherson Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given to Save 'N Share or First United Methodist Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gertrude Schafer please visit our Sympathy Store.