Obituary of Rita Mae Schafer

Rita Mae Schafer of Fort Collins, Colorado, took The Hand of Jesus on October 30, 2022 at the age of 85. She was born in Great Bend Kansas on October 17, 1937 to Sherman and Lydia (Hommon) Hoar.

In her early years, Rita attended school in Sterling, Colorado and in 1955 she graduated from Fort Collins High School. After high school she went to beauty school and earned her first job as a beautician in June of 1956. She married Darrel Schafer on October 18, 1957. To this union, Rita and Darrel were blessed with two children, their daughter Pamela Mae and their son Randall Earl. Rita and Darrel celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary this past October.

Rita enjoyed knitting, sewing, crocheting, and quilting. She made her own clothing as well as clothing for her family. She loved cats, two of her favorites being Fluffy and Callie. Rita also enjoyed bible study and different organizations within her church. Rita and Darrel loved to square dance and were involved with 4-H for many years. Together, they loved to travel having taken many cruises and traveling around the United States.

Rita is survived by her husband Darrel Schafer of Ft. Collins, Co; daughter Pam Bessey (Bert) of Loveland, Co; son Randy Schafer (Jennifer) of Melbeta, NE; grandchildren Galen Bessey (Brenda); Todd Bessey (Chris Viegut); Phillip Bessey (Christy Smith); Stephanie Schafer (Lanny Hanks); Alexis Moore (Shane); Lindsey Schroeder (John), Danielle Madden (Jeremy); 19 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother George and sister Vernice, and her parents-in-law Earl and Velma Schafer.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 2:00pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Collins, Colorado with a cookie reception following the services. Private inurnment will be held at Grandview Cemetery in Fort Collins at a later date.

Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for online condolences. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind.  Please visit csdb.colorado.gov for donation Information. Livestream will be available to watch the service at https://live.redeemerconnect.com/