Bertha Jane Shafer

March 27, 1930 - December 2, 2019

Bertha Jane Shafer was born March 27, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa the daughter of Jess and Eulah (Gasson) Hammersley. She graduated from East High School, in Des Moines, with the Class of 1948. Following high school, Bertha attended Iowa Lutheran School of Nursing, graduating in 1951. She worked for Iowa Lutheran and then the V.A. Hospital in Knoxville. On July 13, 1957 Bertha was united in marriage to Elmer Robert Shafer in Des Moines, Iowa. The couple always made Knoxville their home. Bertha eventually became the Director of Nursing at West Ridge, in Knoxville, where she retired after 29 years. Bertha was an avid doll collector and she an Elmer enjoyed traveling throughout the years. Her family was Bertha’s greatest source of joy; she will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Bertha passed away Monday, December 2, 2019 at the West Ridge Nursing & Rehab Center at the age of 89 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer and step-son, Dennis Shafer. Those left to honor Bertha’s memory include her children: Steven (Jacinda) Shafer of Knoxville, Scott (Juli) Shafer of Georgetown, Colorado, Jane (Bernie) Senf of Burlington and step-son Douglas (Margaret) Shafer of Tracy and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members and friends. A Funeral Service for Bertha Shafer, age 89 of Knoxville, will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church or to the Marion County Humane Society.