Archives  

OBITUARY

IOLA JEAN SCHAFER

December 08, 2009

Iola Jean Schafer, 79, of Sunnyside passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009.

Jean was born Dec. 14, 1929 in Nyssa, Ore. to Cora and Alvin J. Schafer.

The family moved in December 1941 from Adrian, Ore. to St. Marias, Idaho in the back of a truck with a few belongings. In early 1942, they moved to Milton-Freewater, Ore. and about a year later moved to Grants Pass, Ore.

In the summer of 1945, the family moved to Grandview. Jean went to school in Grandview and then to Sunnyside, where she graduated in 1949.

Jean worked a few years after high school then lived with her parents on their small vineyard until they passed away. Jean wouldn't leave the farm and her many animals until she could not longer take care of them or herself.

In August of 2009, Jean was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer and was transferred to Hillcrest Manor in Sunnyside.

Jean became a Christian at an early age and was dedicated to reading her Bible and her church work.

Jean never missed sending a birthday or anniversary card or gift to any brother, sister, niece or nephew.

She loved her many stuffed animals.

Jean had many caregivers who helped her mother and her in their declining years with transportation and many things they could not do themselves.

The Schafer family is so grateful to each and everyone, neighbors and caregivers for all the care and friendship shown to Jean.

She is survived by three brothers. Gilbert Laverne Schafer of Ridgefield, Benjamin LeRoy Schafer of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Sherman Schafer of Sunnyside; one sister, Lorene Hicks of Seattle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Private family burial will be held at Lower Valley Memorial Gardens in Sunnyside. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009, at 11 a.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside.

Those wishing to honor Iola's memory may contribute to the donor's choice.

Those wishing to sign Iola's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com

Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside is in charge of arrangements.