Nancy Shafer

Nancy (Weddle) Shafer passed away peacefully in Grand Rapids, Michigan on December 1, 2023 at the age of 78. She lived a life full of faith, family and music. Nancy was born in Beech Grove, Indiana on June 7, 1945 and, except for a few detours to Michigan and Oklahoma, she resided on the South Side of Indianapolis. Nancy was the youngest surviving child of Donald and Ethel Weddle, who both preceded her to Heaven. Her younger brother, Warren, only lived for 5 months. Her two older siblings, Mary Weddle (Maggie) and Donald Weddle (Vicky) have survived her. Nancy is also survived by her husband, James L. Shafer, her five children, James M. Shafer (Leah), Rebekah L. Shafer, Timothy M. Shafer (Amy), Thomas L. Shafer and Erica S. Shafer (Marc) along with several grandchildren and great-grand children who were the joy in her life. From the time Nancy was little, she loved music and began playing the piano at age 7. She also sang soprano, and played organ, flute, piccolo and hand bells. One of Nancy’s greatest loves was accompanying church services and did so for decades – first, at her home church, University Heights Christian Church, where she lived next door, and then wherever she attended – Southport Heights Christian Church, Garfield Christian Church and churches in Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan. Mom’s love of music also led her to her favorite career. In 1988 she became the accompanist for the Beech Grove Middle and High School show choirs. For the next few decades, her life was engrossed with the music and lives of the students and teachers in the Beech Grove School System – she even performed in New York City and Hong Kong with them. As one of her kids, our holidays were filled with music (around the piano at home) and performances (at church or Beech Grove Schools)! Another driving force in Nancy’s life was her family. She believed there was nothing more important than her family – the one she was born into; the one she married into and the ones she chose within her churches and within the Beech Grove School System. Having had 5 children, for the longest time, Nancy’s life was consumed with diapers, homework and feeding a small army. Nancy spent summers helping raise some of her grandchildren, including Klarissa and Timothy II. She also lovingly ‘adopted’ all of the students and teachers with whom she worked at the school system. The Holidays were a time for us all to get together, sing, eat, sit around and avoid talking politics; watch dad sleep to a football game, and generally reconnect – usually over persimmon pudding or snickerdoodle cookies lovingly made by Nancy. Finally, but certainly not least important, Nancy’s life was guided by her faith. She grew up independent Christian and adhered to her creed and principles her entire life. When things were tough, she dug deep into her faith; and sang and played hymns throughout. After graduating from Emmerich Manual High School in 1963, she went to Great Lakes Bible College (Now, Great Lakes Christian College) in Lansing, Michigan, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Christian Education – and met the love of her life, Jim. They were married in 1968 in a small ceremony at their church in Lansing. Once they started having us kids, mom determined that we would be raised in the church – and we were. Every Sunday. And several other days too, as Nancy played in the bell choir, the organ and piano for the choir, the services and special music. It is a comfort to know that Nancy has headed off to heaven and is in Jesus’ loving arms. There will be no funeral services at this time. Instead, the family will have a private graveside ceremony next Spring at the Weddle Family plot at Round Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis. We invite you to share your memories of Nancy and upload photos to the memorial page, as a tribute to the beautiful life she lived. Each memory shared will serve as a note in the grand symphony of her life, allowing her melody to continue to play on in our hearts. We also invite you make a financial contribution to their own faith-based organization or educational institution of your choice. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy Shafer, please visit our flower store.