Irene Mae Shafer was born May 22, 1918 on an island in the Platte River at Valley, NE. Her parents were George and Jessie Trullinger Sawyer. While a baby, the family moved to a farm near Akron, Colorado. They then moved to a farm 3 1/2 miles south of Paxton where they lived for eight years. While living there her brother Jack was born. When Irene was eleven her family moved to a farm about 6 1/2 miles west of their previous home. Irene liveed there until she was married.

On April 25, 1937 Irene married Howard W. Shafer. They lived around and in Paxton for a number of years. They were blessed with one son, John W. Shafer. While living in Paxton, Irene ran a cream station for a couple of years. They lived in Paxton for quite a few years.

In 1955 Howard and Irene then bought a house in Roscoe. In 1972 the couple started building onto the house. With the help of her brother-in-law, Carl Heins, Irene started building a basic frame of the house. When Carl died, Irene and Howard hired many workers to help with different parts of the work, as well as doing a lot themselves.

Mrs. Shafer started teaching at rural schools in 1953. She worked towards and received her teaching degree after starting working at the schools. She loved to recall memories of her students over the years and loved to have them visit her. Irene retired from teaching in 1981.

Irene had lots of interests that kept her busy. She did lots of crafts, including crocheting afghans, making dolls, and much more. She had been writing a book about birds for quite a few years. She was always happy to see her family and always had kisses for all her great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death was her husband Howard in 1991, and one son John W. Shafer in 1997, a daughter-in-law Twila Shafer in 1962, a brother Jack Sawyer, a sister Genevieve Heins, and a great-great-grandson Jacob Schimek.

Survivors include a daughter-in-law Donna Shafer of Ogallala and three grandchildren:

David Shafer of Roscoe, Mike (Sandy) Shafer of Aurora, CO. and Cindy Canann of Roscoe.

8 great-grandchildren: Casey Shafer, Mandi (John) Schimek, Ashley (Andrew) Chamberlin, Kristyn and Bryce Shafer, Jordan and Bailey Leeper, and Ryan Canann. Three great-great- grandchildren: Alex and Jeremiah Schimek and Bianca Chamberlin.

Also nieces Carlene (Matt) Whitlock of Hemingford, NE; and Linda (Tim) Hudson of Ogallala.

Nephews: Jerry (Darlene) Garcia of Ogallala; Chuck (Traci) Sawyer of North Platte; and Steve (Donna) Sawyer of Kansas.

Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home.

Funeral Service will be Friday, Dec. 14, at 9 a.m. at Draucker Funeral Home with Rev. James Miller of the First United Methodist Church officiating.