Jolene Schafer

Jolene Frances Schafer, 77, of Gowen, went to be with God on December 27, 2021, due to complications from COPD, from Spectrum Health-United Hospital in Greenville, with her sister and her niece by her side. Jolene has resided at the Spectrum Health Nursing & Rehab Center since June of 2019. Jolene was born in Lansing, Michigan, on June 20, 1944, living in South Riley, Michigan, until graduating from St. John's High School, in 1962. She moved to Lansing with her mother and sister in the fall of 1962. Jolene became a licensed beautician however due to health reasons was unable to proceed in that occupation. She had numerous other jobs thereafter, however, mainly a homemaker the remainder of her life. Jolene moved to the Family Cottage in Gowen (in the family since the early 1950's,) on a lake in 1991, where she always wanted to be. Jolene had many dogs over the years but none other like her "Ginger Girl" who was always by her side and her protector. Ginger went over the Rainbow Bridge in October 2021, waiting only two months for Jolene to join her. Jolene made many new friends while residing at Spectrum Nursing Home, their care and companionship will not be forgotten. She was preceded in death by her father, William Gaylord Schafer; mother, Frances J. Schafer; sister, Joyce E. (Murl) Walter; brother, Raymond G. (Kathy) Schafer; infant sisters, Shirley Schafer and Janet Schafer; and a son, Michael Roger Schafer. Surviving are her brother, William R. Schafer; a sister, Jacquelyn "Jackie" M. Millard; many nieces, nephews, greats, great greats and a great great great... as well as many children who grew up around the lake and referred to her as "Grandma Jo". She will be missed. Honoring Jolene's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jolene Schafer, please visit our flower store.