Fayette, Mo., resident Ann Schafer, age 79, passed away peacefully at her home on April 5, 2024.

Ann S. Schafer was born December 6, 1944, in Jefferson City, Mo. She was one of five children born to the late Arthur W. and Mary (Keller) Shockley. Ann graduated from Helias High School with the class of 1962. She furthered her education, earning a bachelor’s degree in art education from the University of Missouri. On August 5, 1967, Ann married the love of her life, Gale Schafer, at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Jefferson City, Mo. The couple have enjoyed over 56 years of marriage. Ann started her teaching career in the North Callaway School District. She then taught art classes at Blackwater and Fayette for approximately 20 years. She also was an adjunct professor of art at Central Methodist University for three years. In her free time, Ann loved drawing and painting. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends in the 26 and 1:15 bridge clubs and doing gardening work. She was a member of the LTS club, PEO Chapter GG, and Howard County Unit of Retired Teachers. She also was a past member of the Fayette Library Board.

Survivors include her husband, Gale Schafer; two children, Chris (Alexis) Schafer of Ozark, Mo. and Elizabeth Harrison of Columbia, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Kennedy (Colton) Bernhardt, Josh (Kylie) Schafer, Jack Harrison, Skylar Schafer, Clay Harrison, Lilly Harrison, Keller Schafer, and Jackson Schafer; three great-grandchildren, Kingsley Bernhardt, Crue Bernhardt, and Elliana Schafer; three siblings, Jane (Barry) McDaniel of Republic, Mo., Deb (Doug) Sutton of Wardsville, Mo., and Stephen Shockley of Jefferson City, Mo. In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Shockley.

A memorial service for Mrs. Schafer will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 3, 2024, at Friemonth-Freese Funeral Home in Fayette, with Fr. Joshua Duncan officiating. Visitation will be held an hour and a half prior to the service at the funeral home starting at 9:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow the service at Walnut Ridge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society, c/o Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service, 174 Hwy. 5 & 240 N., Fayette, MO 65248.