Naomi Ruth (Searles) Shafer August 28, 1921 – August 14, 2011
Naomi Ruth (Searles) Shafer was born August 28, 1921 in Blockton, Iowa to Harry Ransom and Ida (Simpson) Searles. Naomi passed away at the age of 89 years on August 14, 2011 at the Ringgold County Hospital in Mount Ayr.
Naomi graduated in 1938 from Blockton high school. Following graduation, she continued her education at business courses for a couple of years. She worked for Judge Lewis as a bookkeeper for several years.
She married John William Shafer on January 12, 1943. She continued to work while John spent two and one-half years in Australia during World War II. Following John’s return from the service, they moved to the family farm in Redding, Iowa where they made their home for many years.
During their married years, Naomi worked with John at Shafer Insurance Agency and as a self-employed tax preparer.
Naomi was a faithful member of the Redding United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women for many years. She held many church offices over the years but her most enjoyable service was as the church organist. She loved music and enjoyed playing the organ at church since the mid 1960s.
Naomi is survived by her sons John William (Jean) Shafer of Hennepin, Illinois and Robert Rex (Sheila) Shafer of Mount Ayr, Iowa; five grandchildren Sara (David) Daniel, David (Nona) Shafer, Mary (Bill) Snapp, Michael (Kayla) Shafer and Amy Shafer (friend Shawn Gordon); six great-grandchildren Alex Daniel, Natalie Daniel, Valerie Daniel, Hannah Shafer, Elisabeth Shafer and Benjamin Snapp; sister Norma Smith of Mount Ayr, and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband John William Shafer, and a brother Harold Searles.
A visitation will be held at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home on Friday, August 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 20 at the Redding United Methodist Church with Reverend Skip Rushing officiating. Music will be provided by Debbie Cannon, Michael and Kayla Shafer.
Casketbearers are Michael Shafer, David Shafer, Bill Snapp, David Daniel, Tom Kelly and Dale Walkup. Honorary pallbearers are Cecil Shafer, Doyle Shafer, Gary Lambert, Charles Abarr, Mike Lynch and Steve Smith. Burial is in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Mount Ayr. Memorials are to the Redding United Methodist Church.
