BELLVILLE: According to Marla Jean Shafer, Helen Keller said it best, “Life is short and unpredictable. Eat the dessert first!” And Marla did… turtle brownies, cherry cheesecake, and cordial cherries where among her favorites and she was the best dessert baker around.
Marla passed away Sunday, July 21, 2024 in OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital following a brief illness. She was 73.
Marla was born April 1, 1951 in Kenmare, North Dakota, one of ten children to the late Leo and Naomi (Eby) Schmit. After high school she pursued her LPN and began her working career. In Minot, she met a Mansfield airman, Larry Shafer, on a blind date, and moved to Ohio shortly after their wedding.
Marla worked a number of years in hospitals and nursing homes, before leaving the workforce to be a stay at home mother. She had a special gift with infants; they never cried in her arms, and enjoyed camping with her family. Marla loved music, especially the Backstreet Boys and Celine Dion, but the moment Unchained Melody came on, she was transported in mind and spirit with her beloved Larry who preceded her in death in 2012. She could be stubborn when she had something on the brain, and always had a Lipton iced tea in hand.
She is survived by her children Kimberly (Steve) Jordan of Bellville, Kenneth (Jess) Shafer of Mt. Vernon, and Krystalyn (Michael) Wilson of Bellville; grandchildren Samantha, Austin, Kalob, Noah, Dominik, Champ, Kane, Paityn, Adabelle, PaisLee, Tynndel, Taylor, Michael and Vincent; great grandchildren Kayden, Payton, Skyler, Haylee, Lukas, Tyler, Lala, and Everleigh; and eight siblings Rita (Robert) Meyer, Coletta (Robert) McWatters, Luana (John) Gustafson, James (Denae) Schmit, Andrew (Myung) Schmit, Gerrald (Connie) Schmit, Michael (Donna) Schmit, and Robert Schmit.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister Darla (Roger) Schaeffer.
Calling hours will be Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 4-6 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral will begin at 6 p.m. Her brother-in-law Larry will officiate. A graveside service will be held Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Oak Grove Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions to the Richland County Humane Society may be made through the funeral home.
Online condolences to the family may be made by visiting:www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
