Merrie Ann Schafer — West Frankfort, IL

Merrie Ann Schafer, age 57, passed away Monday April 16 at her residence.  She was born April 6, 1961 in Benton, Illinois to Walter and Mary Schafer.

She is survived by her loving family, sons, David Carter of West Frankfort, Aaron Bowling and wife Brandi and grandchildren Blaine and Rylee Bowling of Orient, sister Marcia Raubach and husband Roger of West Frankfort, nieces, Beth McClerren and husband Dale, Amy Galli and husband Dave and Emily Collins and husband Nathan Norman, nephews Chris Raubach and wife Dawnette and Eric Collins, great nieces, Madelaine, Chloe, and Lucy Norman and Ashlan Galli and great nephews, Emmet, Will, and Henry Norman, Logan Galli, Reed Raubach, and Evan McClerren, plus many other family members and friends.

Merrie Ann was preceded in death by her parents, sister Cheryl Schafer Collins, infant brother, Robert Michael Schafer and great nephew, Owen Carl McClerren.

She was a 1979 graduate of Frankfort Community High School and attended John A. Logan College.  Following in the family tradition of radio, Merrie Ann hosted a Saturday teen radio show playing the rock music of the 70’s at WGGH in Marion with the station owner’s son.  Merrie Ann worked for several years as a waitress at Pizza Inn, a job she always loved.  She also worked for Adult Comprehensive as a homemaking assistant and made many lasting friendships over the years.  She was a loving caregiver to both her mother and sister Cheryl.

She was a member of First Christian Church in West Frankfort and was very active in the youth programs when growing up.

She loved reminiscing with her family recalling many special memories.  She had a unique sense of humor and an infectious laugh.  She especially loved telling about some of the antics she and her niece Beth were involved with in their younger years.  She was very close to her sisters, Cheryl and Marcia.

The joy of her life was spending time with her family, especially her children and grandchildren, Blaine and Rylee who called her MaMa Merrie.  She enjoyed fishing, reading mystery stories and watching mystery programs on TV.  She loved animals, especially the family cats Sissy and Pi Pi when she was growing up.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, April 21 at 3:00p.m. at the First Christian Church, 1001 South Cherry in West Frankfort with Lead Minister Brian Harris, officiating.  Visitation will be after 1:00 at the church.  Interment will be in Tower Heights Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family, First Christian Church, or to the charity of choice. 

Union Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences of sympathy may be made at www.unionfh.com.

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