Elsie J. Shaffer

Elsie J. Shaffer, 96, of Dongola, died Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, at Integrity Healthcare in Anna.

She was born on Aug. 14, 1923, at home in Olmsted, the second oldest daughter of Werner Wilhelm and Anna Josepha Holhubner Schnaare. 

She married Russell Shaffer on Sept. 22, 1944, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Olmsted. He preceded her in death on Oct. 20, 1999.

A graduate of Grand Chain High School, she enjoyed attending numerous class reunions. 

During World War II, she worked as a detonator inspector at the Edison Plant in Cairo. She then worked at the Woodard Box Factory in Dongola assembling bands used for garden plants. 

Next, she completed nutrition, food preparation, meal planning and management classes at Southern Illinois University, leading the way to becoming cafeteria supervisor and head cook for the Dongola School District, where she worked for 21 years. To this day, former students remember the fresh, homemade rolls and other items that were served. 

She and her sister-in-law, Wanda Gulley, prepared “spoon burgers” for many years for the Dongola Homecoming. She also served her community for many years as a volunteer for the Red Cross, as well as an election judge. 

She was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna and was a member of the Over 50 Lutheran group. 

She always loved family gatherings and spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and playing games, especially dominoes. 

She was a loving and kind person not only to her family but to everyone. Although she only had three grandsons, she was affectionately known by many as “Granny.”

Survivors include her daughter, Deborah Pass of Herrin; her son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Pat Shaffer of Dongola; her grandson, Jon Shaffer and his wife Tricia of Anna; two great-grandsons, Drew and Brandon Shaffer, both of Dongola; one sister, Agnes Thurston of Pulaski; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Russell Shaffer; her parents, Werner and Josie Schnaare; one son-in-law, Michael Pass; three brothers, John, Kenneth and James Schnaare; and four sisters, Bert Curry, Irene Florreich, Mildred Helig and Margaret Thompson.

Funeral services for Elsie Shaffer were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Crain Funeral Home in Dongola, with Pastor Tim Weiser officiating. Interment followed in St. John’s Cemetery near Dongola.

Memorials can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Anna.

Crain Funeral Home in Dongola was in charge of arrangements.

To view the full obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.