Image
Grave marker inscribed with 'In Loving Memory' - iStock - melissarobison

Obituary - Mary Frances Shafer

Image
Memorial photo of Mary F. Shafer.

© 

Mary Frances Shafer was born March 2, 1933, in Wichita, Kansas. Her parents were William and Pauline Biehler. 

She graduated high school in 1952 and received a music scholarship in voice. Mary attended American Business College in Wichita, Kansas. She received her diploma for stenography in May 1953, and was a secretary for Hartford Insurance until October 1954.

In November 1952, she met Guy Shafer on a blind date. Guy was drafted by the Army and was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. From there he was sent to Japan for overseas duty.

Mary and Guy were engaged on her 20th birthday and married November 7, 1954. To this union two children were born, Michael Guy on October 7, 1955, and Peggy Jean on March 15, 1959.

Mary enjoyed working outdoors in the sunshine. She held many jobs over the years including Bakery, Burger Barn, Old Tyme Country Store, Joslins and Goldwaters department stores in their credit office and vault room doing the bank deposits and payroll. She also worked on several ranches, and really enjoyed horse racing. She loved attending rodeos and fairs.

Singing and dancing was a favorite activity all her life. She taught herself to play the guitar.

Mary was secretary for the West End Golden Age Seniors for 18 years. She was a member of the United Methodist church since 1945. The Haswell Methodist Church nominated her to receive the Trinity District Quiet Disciple Award March 28, 2020.

Mary is survived by her children, Michael (Gale) Shafer of Amarillo, Texas, and Peggy (Gerald) Martin of Hanston, Kansas; grandchildren and great grandchildren, Barrett (Tonya) Shafer, Alanna and Collin Shafer of Amarillo, Texas; Lara (Caleb) Johns, Austin Johns of Canyon, Texas; Emily (Seth) Rosson, Henry and Bear Rosson, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Bobby (Yvette) Martin, Madisyn, Brailey and Brooklyn Martin of Gilbert, Arizona; Geena (Tim) Lewis of Hanston, Kansas; Adyn Ledford, Crayton Ledford, Natalie Lewis and Greyson Lewis of Hanston, Kansas; brother, Michael Moore of Azle, Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy Shafer; adopted parents and an adopted brother, Tom Biehler; brother-in-law, Vaughn D. Shafer; sisters-in-law Vida Lee (Shafer) Bowles, Shirley (Shafer) Hurst, and Sonya (Browne) Shafer; and sister, Beth (Larry) Martin of Whitehouse, Texas.

Funeral services were held January 3, 2025, at the Haswell Community Building. Interment followed at the Haswell Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Kiowa County Cemetery District or the Kiowa County Fire District.

Arrangements were under the direction of Brown Funeral Home.