Joanne Shafer, 84, of Noblesville, died Feb. 2, 2015. Born Feb. 3, 1931 in Arcadia, she was the daughter of Adrien and Thelma (Ballard) Horney.
She graduated from Noblesville High School in 1949 and earned a bachelor’s in education from Purdue University in 1975. She also attended Butler University. She married her high school sweetheart, Phillip, on Sept. 2, 1951, and followed him to Fort Sill, Okla., for his basic training. She was a loving wife, and devoted mother and grandmother who loved entertaining, doing it effortlessly and eloquently. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed shopping, surprising her loved ones with special gifts. She so enjoyed spending summers with her kids and grandkids in Michigan, and was instrumental in creating so many memorable moments. SHe had the ability to make every family holiday special. Christmas at her house was like a scene out of “White Christmas.”
She was a dedicated member of Noblesville First United Methodist Church for more than 60 years and volunteered in the church office. She also was a member of Tri Kappa sorority. She was a cancer survivor and displayed courage and fight throughout her life. She also was a twin; her sister, Jeanne, was as close as an identical twin as you can get. They were truly life-long sisters.
Survivors include her husband, Phillip D. Shafer; sister, Jeanne Horney Simons; daughter, Karen Shafer Montgomery; son, Douglas (Vicki) Shafer; and grandchildren, Hilary Shafer Herendeen, Brooke Shafer and Chase Montgomery.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Horney; sister, Jacqueline Horney Niernberger; and grandson, Gavin Montgomery.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Rd., Noblesville, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. The Rev. Jeff Gammon will officiate.
Online condolences may be made at www.randallroberts.com.
